Order! Order! Order!
EVERYTHING LOOKS BETTER, more glorified on TV. Take court cases for example, where judges admonish you the way only your great grandmother should, or where plaintiffs and defendants take jabs at each other like sparring siblings. When it comes to court TV, there are quite a bit of places where reality begs to differ.
In South Carolina, there are several types of courts, including small claims, county, circuit, and federal courts. Each court has its own set of rules and procedures, and cases are heard by different judges depending on the court and the case type.
On TV, you'll notice that the judge is often a stern, no-nonsense authority who incessantly bangs the gavel and orders attorneys to behave if they don't want to find themselves in contempt of court. In reality, judges in South Carolina are expected to maintain a professional demeanor, but they typically don't reprimand attorneys unless they exhibit egregious behavior or violate court rules.
Opposing attorneys are at each other's throats in courtroom TV, but in real life, attorneys in South Carolina have to work with each other over and over again, so they generally conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner towards each other and the court. Attorneys in South Carolina are subject to strict ethical rules, and misconduct can result in disciplinary action.
Cases are solved much quicker on TV because, of course, you won't make your audience wait the years it sometimes takes to resolve serious cases. In real life, cases in South Carolina can take a significant amount of time to resolve, depending on the court, the case type, and the complexity of the case. Some cases can be resolved through mediation or settlement, while others may require a trial.
In South Carolina, plaintiffs and defendants don't always show up pristinely dressed in crisp clothes. Most courts post signs about dress code at the entrance to warn against saggy pants, visible undergarments, and other inappropriate court wear. However, litigants are expected to dress appropriately and follow the court's rules and procedures.
So the next time you're admiring the clout or power of a courtroom TV show, remember to take it with a grain of salt! The reality of the courtroom experience in South Carolina is not as dramatic as what is often portrayed on TV, but it's still an important part of the legal process that requires respect, professionalism, and adherence to rules and procedures.
