The Washington Post reports that criminal defendants are trying to appear more sympathetic by wearing glasses they don't need in court.
However, dressing up for court is not a new tactic. It's appropriate - defendants have been sporting ties and tucked-in shirts for their day in court for years. As they should.
Defense attorneys argue that wearing glasses are just another component of professional attire.
But some prosecutors believe wearing non-prescription glasses to court is like wearing a mask designed to confuse witnesses and influence jurors.
A 2008 study shows that wearing spectacles led to more acquittals for African Americans. The study showed that glasses-wearing African American defendants appeared more intelligent, honest, and less threatening than those not wearing glasses.
No matter what you think about the effectiveness of wearing glasses in court, glasses can't hide neck tattoos.
