Sun Jul 24, 7:22 PM ET
BENTONVILLE, Ark.(AP) - Clothes may not make the man but they do make an impression. And if witnesses and defendants aren't dressed properly in front of some northwestern Arkansas judges, they could find themselves in contempt of court.

Once a man testified in a battery case in Rogers Municipal Court, wearing a shirt that asked on the front: "Wanna raise some hell?" The back read: "Hell yeah!"

Judge Doug Schrantz found him in contempt of court after learning the man had another shirt he could have worn. Circuit Judge Tom Keith upheld Schrantz' decision and sentenced the man to 24 hours in jail.

Keith said suits and ties aren't required, but a full set of clothing — clean — is expected. He does not want men wearing earrings or any piercings on the eye, nose or lip.

Circuit Judge David Clinger said he doesn't expect people to wear tuxedos but said there is a middle ground.

Lawyers advise their clients to come to court in proper attire so judges will concentrate on the facts of the case and not be distracted by someone in shorts, or a beer T-shirt or a skimpy outfit.

"Some I have to take under my wings and explain what's expected of them," defense lawyer Greg Clark said. "Especially in divorce cases. It may be the only time they appear before the judge, and if they are dressed like a bum, then their creditability may be that of a bum. "

If jail is an option, don't wear a T-shirt advertising beer; if a woman is seeking custody of a child, a revealing outfit won't help, Clark said.