Metal detectors at the Brooklyn Supreme Court. Photo: Monika Kozak/NYLJ

Several years ago an ad announcing the importance of lawyers stated: “When lawyers talk people listen.” Apparently, no one has been saying a thing about the outrageously submissive position we have taken when it comes to addressing our own status, as second-class citizens when it comes to entering the federal courts in our metropolitan area. Why is it that attorneys, who now carry state and federally issued bar identity cards so that they may carry their phones into a courthouse, must wait on line to pass through metal detectors, emptying pockets, removing outer garments, suit jackets, shoes and belt? Are we not to be trusted?

I often observe U.S Attorneys, attended by interns, who are summering students; agents, cafeteria and maintenance staff, walk into the building without the indignity of a virtual body search. In jurisdictions where the public and attorneys are on the same line, this lack of trust in the defense bar is observed by jurors. If we stand in “Pari Delicto” before the bar; why are we unequal entering the courthouse? Cafeteria staff, I have also learned do not go through the metal detectors.

I have a global entry pass to enter the country, but not one to enter the courthouse. I recognize the importance of security, but not the importance of absurdity. Many of the attendants at the metal detectors, I have known for years; most are courteous and friendly, but they say they cannot cut you any slack because a supervisor is watching. They have their job to do and do it well, observing their directives faithfully. Why, however, are attorneys, who are in the courthouse almost on a daily basis treated as if we are a danger to the community?

Last year while on trial in federal court in Westchester, I was heading in for a jury selection day and was literally held up for more than forty minutes only to be reprimanded by the judge for being late.

Why has something not been done concerning this? I have practiced law for fifty-four years now. Why haven't the judges stood up for us? Is it unseemly to expect reciprocal respect and consideration? Where have the various bar groups been on this issue? Has there been any real discussion? Are we missing something?

This letter was written by Murray Richman and signed by John Iannuzzi and Robert Leighton. All three are criminal defense lawyers in New York.