Messy beds and T-shirts: Federal Court head laments increase in 'unwelcome informality' during virtual hearings

Chief Justice Paul Crampton also noted a decline in civility in the courtroom

OTTAWA — From attendees in T-shirts to cameras pointed at unmade beds, Federal Court Chief Justice Paul Crampton says he’s noticed an increase in “unwelcome informality” during virtual hearings, particularly among young lawyers, since COVID-19.

Speaking at a legal discussion Tuesday on immigration law organized by the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Crampton lamented a drop of decorum in the era of hybrid and virtual hearings, as well as a noticeable decline in civility in the courtroom.