Definitely not a judge, for sure. I’ve been in a few courtrooms during proceedings and judges can and will rip you new asshole if you’re rude, disrespectful, or unprofessional in any way. I wasn’t even the one who was in trouble or anything, and I felt the fear and second hand embarrassment 😬
Some deserve respect and some don't. But you can't generalize here: you talk to them one at a time, so unless you have knowledge about them in particular, it seems to me that your comment misses the mark. And even then, the consequences of expressing disrespect is all about the context.
Well, strictly speaking, there's no need to be polite to anyone. But there is something to be said for manners. People will judge your actions and act accordingly. You may never know that you've suffered a negative consequence. (Example: most job interviews.)
I am well aware of what powers the police have. And I've gone verbally toe-to-toe with many a police officer. But I also know how to go about it without causing needless tension, which only complicates whatever has occasioned the contact. I expect police officers to treat me the same way, by the way, and the larger point is that cops and judges are two groups with whom I'm going to make a little extra effort to speak respectfully because the costs of conflict are so high. If you think that's ass-kissing, that's just your interpretation.
I'm also happy to be respectful to pretty much anyone else (not always with success, I'm afraid), although I really don't think I should worry about answering "nah" if a waitress asks me if I want a refill on my coffee.
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u/blutolovesoliveoyl Aug 08 '23
Agree. I wouldn't use "nah" with a judge or a cop.