Judge Fit to Be Tied Over Ascot-Wearing Lawyer
A Milwaukee judge known as a fastidious dresser held up a sentencing hearing for three hours yesterday because a prosecutor came to court wearing an ascot.
Judge William Sosnay said the ascot violates a court rule that requires lawyers to wear neckties and “borders on contemptuous,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
“This is not about the definition of an ascot or a necktie,” Sosnay said. “This is an issue which I believe deals with the integrity of the court.”
The prosecutor, Warren Zier, wore a red ascot that matched the handkerchief in the breast pocket of his pinstriped suit. The newspaper has a picture of Zier’s courtroom attire.
The manager of Harleys for Men haberdashery begged to differ with the judge. Ben Norris told the Journal Sentinel that ascots are considered formal and might be worn to a fancy dinner party. He pointed out that Hugh Hefner has worn them for decades.
