Many Rutherford County women have heard about the memorandum released by Judge Royce Taylor in regards to how female lawyers should dress when in court. Since the story broke on Thursday, WGNS has been asked, "What was stated in the letter and what sets Judge Taylor apart from others?" Good question...

The letter itself was written to the Rutherford/ Cannon County Bar Association and according to suggestion number two in the notes that he reportedly wrote, “I have advised some women attorneys that a jacket with sleeves below the elbow is appropriate or a professional dress equivalent.” The Judge also outlined in point number three, “Your personal appearance in court is a reflection upon the entire legal profession. Litigants and members of the public should be confident that we both act and look professional.” The memorandum was evidently so widely popular on Thursday that it spread to not only the local paper via AP news, it also hit the USA Today and The Washington Times.

Looking back, Judge Taylor manages to do things a little different. It is well documented that the Judge gained his discipline and his respect for the judicial system and our country while in the United States Navy.  His background is quite interesting and heroic. He spent six years as an officer in charge with the SEAL team during the Vietnam War. Judge Taylor commented while on WGNS in 2011…

Judge Taylor is a retired Captain in the U-S Naval Reserves and again, spent six years as a SEAL team member. He also spent four years in the U-S Naval Academy. Taylor has been a judge in Rutherford County since 1998.

2011 Radio interview with Judge Royce Taylor: