Dear Nick,

I gave the example of bowing or a curtsy to elderly
people merely as an example of a European tradition, or a
custom that exists and with which I was brought up,
as a sign of respect. I gave the example of having
to remove one's shoes when entering a mosque as
another example of respect - which one is obliged to
do.
One usually tries to honour the traditions of others
if one can.

However - standing for a judge or a magistrate in
court is something that is required to be done in this
country. It goes deeper than doing something purely voluntarily.
It is a requirement when appearing in court.

Your question about my bowing to someone wearing a burqa
is silly. Why would I bow? I can't tell if they are
old or young. It is not their custom or tradition.
However, if they were to greet me then of course I would smile
and say hello back. It would be very bad manners not to acknowledge
their greeting and return one of my own. Something along
the lines of - "Salam..."

cont'd ...

Dear Nick,

My last sentence should read -

"As Salaem-alaikum" (Peace be unto you).

Hi FOXY you possess more patience than I, believe me. If I were to meet the President of the High Court of Australia in a public place, would I bow to him? Of course not he's merely a man, a learned man of the law no doubt, nevertheless a man. As we've said ad infinitum, by us bowing, whenever we enter a court of law, signifies our acknowledgement of our Australian laws. Recognising that no one individual supplants those laws, they are there for us all, with any and all it's flaws and imperfections. Your illustration is perfect, far better than anything I could write.

Thank you and stay well please. Including your dear Mum who, I've no doubt, had a lot to do with influencing you in obtaining a good education, and developing your obvious poise and 'class' in your formative years. All of which has been evidenced herein (the Forum) over the years. It's a great pity POIROT has declined to engage us all as well? Though I was diametrically opposed to her brand of politics, she was another grand lady similar to yourself. It's indeed a great pity we no longer have the benefit of her earthy brand of wisdom, she was really good I thought!

Foxy
You wrote it's an aged care home. "Your question about my bowing to someone wearing a burqa is silly. Why would I bow? I can't tell if they are old or young. It is not their custom or tradition."
What Europeans or Australians today bow? Why would you need to describe it if it's customary? So you know the burqa lady would be old . But " it's their custom not to bow"? You wouldn't do what they don't do? Interesting.
I quoted the Law that says it's not contempt to stay seated . No Law says we need to stand , or shake hands or bow or put our fingers in our ears. We don't even have to stand for the Queen or Gov Gen or Bill Shorten , same as Muslims.

Some more examples from the Law:
"For those who practise other religions and who wish to take an oath it will almost always be possible to adapt the oath so that it fits with their religion, by substituting the name of their God(s) into the standard oath.
Their appropriate holy book should be available as required — although, note that Muslims usually do not swear on the Qu’ran as this might be seen by many as idolatrous.
In most cases, the person’s legal representative or person calling the particular witness will have found out whether the person wishes to be sworn in on the basis of their religion or not. This should also ensure that the appropriate holy book is available if particularly required by that person.
It is always best to state that it is important that the witness swears to tell the truth in the way that will be most meaningful.
It is always important to respect the wishes of the particular person in their choice of whether to take an oath or make an affirmation.
It is also important not to assume that someone who refuses, or is unable, to take an oath is any less likely to tell the truth than someone who chooses to make an affirmation that makes no reference to religion."
Oaths and bowing are surface rituals . If Muslims choose not to say "Merry Christmas" then I'm not surprised ( but crims say it inside Prison ).

Nick,

Now, I've lost interest.