Should service members wear their duty uniform to civilian courts? is it a dishoner to the service? Personal gain for yourself or is it ok

I'm very disturbed at the automatic assumption that just because a service member is a defendant, they're automatically guilty.

<p>Actually quite a few years back up until about mid-90s, whenever SMs had to go to court whether it was for positive or negative reasons, they were required to wear their class A's to court, than many units converted to wearing the duty uniform from BDUs to ACUS, it has just evolved over the years.</p><p><br></p><p>While some may think it could be derogatory to the military, the mentality was to show you were proud of your service and were willing to show that pride and take your punishment like a Soldier/Marine/Airman/Sailor/Coast Guardsman and still represent the best of the best. It did become sort of a plus at times for receiving leniency for negative court appearances and the judge for your service to country, so it did/does have some benefit.</p><p><br></p><p>In recent years though it has many times resulted in negative results as many judges will state you should no better because of what you represent and then proceeds to max you out on the fine and penalties.</p>

The question is this: &nbsp;Claimaint, witness, or defendant?<br><br>In civil/family court for divorce, custody, claims, and so forth I see little issue wearing the uniform that states your position in society. &nbsp;Who you are matters a great deal in those cases.<br><br>As a witness? &nbsp;It lends additional credibility, so most definitely.<br><br>As a defendant? &nbsp;I understand why someone would want the personal gain but ... come on, guy ... really? &nbsp;Isn't it bad enough you're in court already? &nbsp;Don't drag Uncle Sam in there with you, he didn't make you do it. &nbsp;That aside, I can imagine a number of situations in which military status might have some positive bearing on an innocent service member being on trial. &nbsp;Just don't wear it if Chris Hanson brought you here.