According to a recent report by Law360, nearly three decades after a crass remark during a deposition led to lambasting from the Delaware Supreme Court over dwindling civility, similar instances of broaching decorum are making a resurgence in the state’s legal proceedings. This course of action is being actively discouraged by the Court of Chancery.
What was once chalked up to as a momentary lapse in decorum – a striking “maggot” reference during a deposition – has seemingly started recurring, fuelling concerns about the eroding civility in legal processes. The persistent lack of polish in the courtroom, as evidenced by such incidents, is drawing the attention and ire of the Court of Chancery, which is advocating for a renewed respect for decorum.
This phenomenon is not unique to the state of Delaware and is reflective of a wider, worrying trend that has the potential to undermine the dignity and integrity of legal systems. Legal professionals, irrespective of their jurisdictions, should therefore heed this as a reminder of their duty towards maintaining a high standard of decorum in the interest of upholding the sanctity of the court.