Christmas tree in the courtroom - good or bad idea?

Question

In Toronto today, a judge's ruling forced the removal of a Christmas tree inside the courtroom (to outside).

What do you say - good or bad decision?

Answer 1

There seems to be some confusion over this.

There was no "ruling" about the tree. Although the woman was a judge, she was making a purely administrative decision about her courthouse, which is entirely her right. It was not a legal decision or a precedent and doesn't affect anyone outside that building. It's important not to blow this out of proportion.

I don't think any government building should display religious decorations--especially Courts, where people have the right to expect equality before the Law. However Xmas trees are NOT religious symbols, but seasonal ones, and I doubt anyone would be offended by them.

I think she made a big mistake for ordering the tree removed (at least in the absence of an actual complaint). I hope that she changes her mind and the tree is returned. I think that for any Government agency to ORDER her to return the tree would be an even bigger mistake, since it undermines the independence of the Courts and creates a dangerous precedent.

Answer 2

Bad decision on the judge's part, Premier McGuinty is taking it up with the Chief Justice, I think the Christmas Tree will be back in it's original spot to-morrow am, and the judge will be repremanded. What an idiot with Cohen being her last name it's all to do with religion..Yet again.

Answer 3

Darn good decision. There is NO ROOM for sentimentalism in the court room. Convictions must be based on evidence produced without any hint of encouraging emotions, directly or indirectly. I say "Blessed Christmas" to all.

Answer 4

Good grief, this is north America, why now do we have to start satisfying all the other country's, atheist and religions in the world, whether a person agrees or disagrees isn't it just being polite to accept we are in a mixed society and not get so upset about it. I haven't been to church in probably 40 years, and I really don't care about Xmas's trees one way or another, but I do enjoy the smiling faces of those that really love it and I'am glad and feel good that they are having a good time.

Answer 5

Bad

Answer 6

i think it was a bad decision,this is america and christmas is supposed to be about celebrating the birth of jesus,and i know your supposed to seperate church from state and i think that is hogwash,by removing the x-mas tree from inside the courtroom is a slap in the face to every american that has values,and descency! AMERICA is falling to the anti relegious people that just wants something to gripe about!

Answer 7

It's a sad world we live in. There are homeless, starving, cold people out on the streets and instead of using their energy to try to make life tolerable for other human beings, people use their energy to fight amongst themselves whether or not it is O.K. to have a beautifully decorated tree inside a room. It's pathetic and sad. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Answer 8

I love Christmas and despise the movement to "ban" it everywhere, but I agree with the judge that a tree is not appropriate in a courtroom.
PS - To the Bible reference above: the court will provide the religious text of your choice for swearing in, and have an alternative oath for atheists.

Answer 9

It's a tough one, if you view it as a christian thing it's defiantly bad, but if you view the holiday as simply a time to be with you friends and family it's a good one

Answer 10

To correct someone; the Christmas tree is a Pagan symbol.

Anyways, I think that's stupid.