Bye Bye Bow Tie

(AP) - A former judge known for wearing colorful
bow ties when he presided over trials has switched to dull neckties
for his own trial on charges of sexually abusing inmates.
Former Circuit Judge Herman Thomas starts the second week of his
trial Tuesday in Mobile. To temper his image, the defense has had
him shelve flamboyant bow ties, his trademark as a judge, and wear
more conservative neckties.
His lawyers say they told him to change. They say they want
jurors to view him as "Herman Thomas" rather than "Judge
Thomas."
A former prosecutor who now teaches law, Bennett Gershman of New
York, says the change was wise because some people view bow ties as
frivolous. He says a defendant's attire can affect whether jurors
consider him credible.


(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)