This is Helen Hulick, a burglary witness, who caused a stir in a downtown LA courtroom by wearing slacks in 1938.
This is Helen Hulick, a burglary witness, who caused a stir in a downtown LA courtroom by wearing slacks in 1938. Hulick was quoted in the LA Times saying, "You tell the judge I will stand on my rights. If he orders me to change into a dress, I won't do it. I like slacks. They're comfortable." She returned to court five days later - in slacks, which really infuriated the judge. He responded: "The last time you were in this court dressed as you are now and reclining on your neck on the back of your chair, you drew more attention from spectators, prisoners, and court attaches than the legal business at hand. You were requested to return in garb acceptable to courtroom procedure. Today you come back dressed in pants and openly defying the court and its duties to conduct judicial proceedings in an orderly manner. It's time a decision was reached on this matter and on the power the court has to maintain what it considers orderly conduct. The court hereby orders ...