This week marks the declared Texas Day of Civility in the Law, according to a joint proclamation by the Texas Supreme Court and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the two highest courts in Texas. This begs the question, do we need a day of civility? As if we’ve checked that one off for one day, the rest of the year is for incivility.  A recent study by the University of Chicago found that 74% of Americans believe that manners and behavior have deteriorated in the U.S. over the past several decades. Many believe that politicians should be held to a higher standard of civility than the general public.

The study finds that people generally agree as to what is unacceptable:

  • Use of cell phones in restaurants;
  • Swearing in public or online;
  • Remarks or jokes based on race, gender, or sexuality.

Some differences emerged in the study based on age. With technology, half of younger people believe it is acceptable and not rude to use a cell phone in a restaurant, while only 22% of older Americans agree. This same division is seen with issues of profanity or discussing sex in public.

Most Americans believe political campaigns are more rude than the average American. However, of the people surveyed, they reported that Republicans are more rude that Democrats.

So, we basically agree that there has been a decline in civility in our society and among our politicians. But, where does that come from? My take… the decline in civility in society reflects what we seen on television. (Or, some would say, television reflects society. Chicken? Egg?)

With the modern 24/7 news cycle and reporters on the constant watch for anything unusual to make a story out of, examples of incivility are often highlighted and maybe overstated. Let someone have a cross word in Washington and it becomes a major event, replayed on-the-hour, with pundits weighing in on all sides of the political/racial/gender spectrum to opine about who was right and who was wrong.

Also, reality television shows have heightened our focus on incivility. Think back to the first example that I can remember of incivility on television – The Jerry Springer Show. For the first time on modern, daytime tv, a show gained ratings because people acted badly. Fast forward that to today, with reality tv, a show has to have drama – incivility – to get ratings and attention. Then, when the dust settles they have a reunion show to replay all of the drama and incivility and rehash it all over again. Bloggers blog about the drama and entertainment shows gossip about it. Modern culture feeds off of incivility.

I mean, face it, civility is boring. Or, at least, it’s boring where tv ratings are concerned.

So, as society, if we all agree that we have become increasingly uncivil, and we none prefer for us to act that way, then what do we, as a society, do about it? What are your ideas – tell us in the comments.

 

Part 1 of 4 Civility in Law series.

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Photo of Michelle O'Neil Michelle O'Neil

Michelle May O’Neil has 30+ years’ experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. Described by one lawyer as “a lethal combination of sweet-and-salty”, Ms. O’Neil exudes…

Michelle May O’Neil has 30+ years’ experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. Described by one lawyer as “a lethal combination of sweet-and-salty”, Ms. O’Neil exudes genuine compassion for her client’s difficulties, yet she can be relentless when in pursuit of a client’s goals. One judge said of Ms. O’Neil, “She cannot be out-gunned, out-briefed, or out-lawyered!”

Family Law Specialist

Ms. O’Neil became a board-certified family law specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 1997 and has maintained her certification since that time. While representing clients in litigation before the trial court is an important part of her practice, Ms. O’Neil also handles appellate matters in the trial court, courts of appeals and Texas Supreme Court. Lawyers frequently consult with Ms. O’Neil on their litigation cases about specialized legal issues requiring particularized attention both at the trial court and appellate levels. This gives her a unique perspective and depth of perception that benefits both her litigation and appellate clients.

Top Lawyers in Texas and America

Ms. O’Neil has been named to the list of Texas SuperLawyers for many years, a peer-voted honor given to only about 5% of the lawyers in the state of Texas. Ms. O’Neil received the special honor of being named by Texas SuperLawyers as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Texas, Top 100 Lawyers in Texas, and Top 100 Lawyers in DFW for multiple years. She was named one of the Best Lawyers in America and received an “A-V” peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directories for the highest quality legal ability and ethical standards.

Author and Speaker

A noted author, Ms. O’Neil released her second book Basics of Texas Divorce Law in November 2010, with a second edition released in 2013, and a third edition expected in 2015.  Her first book, All About Texas Law and Kids, was published in September 2009 by Texas Lawyer Press. In 2012, Ms. O’Neil co-authored the booklets What You Need To Know About Common Law Marriage In Texas and Social Study Evaluations.  The State Bar of Texas and other providers of continuing education for attorneys frequently enlist Ms. O’Neil to provide instruction to attorneys on topics of her expertise in the family law arena.