Justitia - Why are flags displayed in a courtroom?
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Q. Why are flags displayed in a courtroom?
A. Courtrooms reflect the dignity and authority of the judicial branch of government. Court proceedings, what happens in a courtroom, are formal and ceremonial. There are rules for what should happen and even for what a courtroom should look like.
A court rule requires flags of the United States and the State of Michigan to be displayed near the bench whenever court is in session. This includes times when a court meets in another location, such as an auditorium, for educational or physical distancing purposes.
Flags call attention to the importance of what is happening. They also remind a judge of the promise to support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state made when taking the oath of office.
The Michigan Supreme Court periodically hears cases in the community to educate high school students about appellate courts and the judicial branch. This video shows flags displayed near the temporary bench that was set up for oral arguments at East Grand Rapids High School, May 2019.
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“The flags of the United States and of the State of Michigan must be displayed in a conspicuous place adjacent to the bench at all times when court is in session.” MCR 8.115(A).
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