Mich. judges given say in court dress

LANSING, MI - The Michigan Supreme Court has voted to give judges authority over how witnesses dress in court after a Muslim woman refused to remove her veil in a small claims case.

A statewide court rule letting judges regulate the appearance of witnesses, such as asking them to remove face coverings, was approved by a 5-2 vote. The dissenters said there should be an exception for people whose clothing is dictated by their religion.

Justices heard last month from a Muslim woman who sued because her small claims case was dismissed when she refused to remove her veil.

Judges argued that they should be able to exercise reasonable control over the appearance of parties and witnesses to observe their demeanor and ensure they're accurately identified.

How does the judge know who he is talking to if a muslim is wearing a bag over her head?