ABSTRACT
The district hearing for probable cause and the rape trial often become occasions of drama. Both the institution of the court and the individual actors employ "presentational strategies". The court has several audiences, in-eluding defendant, victim, jurors, and the public. The courtroom proceeding is perceived and constructed as a ceremonial confrontation between the legal order and one who has violated that order. Robert M. Emerson's focus is on juvenile court and its effects on delinquents. The authoritative and intimidating features of the courtroom are many. A formal, authoritative, solemn atmosphere is fostered by the furniture, the costumes, and the rules of interaction. The costumes increase the ceremonial atmosphere of the occasion. At superior court, officers are dressed in blue and gold-trimmed uniforms. The adversary proceedings between defense and prosecution in the contemporary United States courtroom, like conflict in general, occur within a set of norms.
