Overview
- Chief Justice Deborah K. Smith and Chief Judge Perry F. Borden issued a statement Sunday supporting judges who bar poppies in their courtrooms.
- They said judges must preserve an unbiased setting, with expectations that judges and staff avoid visible symbols of support, subject to each presiding judge’s discretion.
- Their explanation included a scenario in which poppies worn near Remembrance Day could lead an accused to question the fairness of proceedings.
- The statement emphasized that restricting poppies in court does not reflect disrespect toward veterans or Remembrance commemorations.
- Earlier criticism from Premier Tim Houston called the practice wrong and disgusting, and he said he may introduce a law allowing poppies to be worn at work from Nov. 1 to Nov. 11.