VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - Lawyers who appear before judges in Virginia Beach General District Court will have to be a bit more formal with police officers.
Chief General District Judge Gene Woolard says the judges have asked defense attorneys to refrain from patting officers on the back in court.
According to a report in the Virginia Beach Bar Association's recent newsletter, some judges believe the gesture can appear prejudicial.
While Woolard said the back-patting can leave that impression, he said there is no evidence of impropriety.
Still, the judge said the gesture can suggest a "good old boy system."
The judges said the attorneys will police themselves and no court order will be necessary.
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