by Facial Expression Becomes Trademark
New York Attorney General Letitia James has trademarked what facial recognition experts are calling “Resting Prosecution Face” a facial expression so intensely disapproving that defendants have been known to confess before formal charges are even filed. The look combines judicial disappointment with maternal disapproval and just a hint of “I’ve got three depositions and a press conference before lunch, so let’s make this quick.”
The phenomenon was first documented by courtroom sketch artists who noticed they were drawing the same expression repeatedly. “At first I thought I was just lazy,” explained artist Patricia Wong. “Then I realized no, that’s actually her face. It’s like if Michelangelo’s David was judging you for that thing you did in college that you thought nobody remembered.” Wong’s sketches have been used as evidence in unrelated cases, with prosecutors arguing that James’ expression alone demonstrates the severity of the alleged crimes.
Psychologists who study nonverbal communication note that Resting Prosecution Face differs from regular Resting Face in several key ways. “Normal resting face is neutral, maybe slightly unfriendly,” explained Dr. Marcus Bradford of NYU’s Social Psychology department. “Resting Prosecution Face communicates that you’re already guilty, she knows you’re guilty, she’s known since birth that you would eventually be guilty, and she’s just waiting for you to realize it too.” The expression has become so effective that several defendants have attempted to negotiate plea deals before James has even entered the courtroom.
According to research published in the American Psychological Association’s journal Emotion, facial expressions significantly impact perceptions of trustworthiness and authority. James has apparently weaponized this research, developing a look that communicates both “I am the full force of New York State law” and “I know you didn’t call your mother on her birthday.” It’s prosecutorial authority meets Jewish guilt meets that teacher who always knew when you hadn’t done the homework, distilled into a single withering gaze.
The concept of conveying authority through facial expression has deep roots in various cultures. In Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, performers use precise facial expressions called “bhava” to convey complex emotional states. James has essentially created a prosecutorial bhava, except instead of depicting mythological stories, she’s depicting your imminent legal consequences. The ancient arts have been repurposed for modern litigation, and honestly, the rishis probably saw this coming.
Defense attorneys have begun coaching their clients specifically on how to withstand Resting Prosecution Face without self-incriminating. “I tell them: don’t make eye contact, don’t flinch, and whatever you do, don’t start apologizing reflexively,” explained veteran defense lawyer Jennifer Hartwick. “Last week I had a client who wasn’t even guilty of the charged offense, but one look from James and he started confessing to crimes we didn’t know had been committed. We’re still sorting out the jurisdictional issues.”
The trademark application for Resting Prosecution Face includes detailed specifications: “A facial expression conveying disappointment, authority, and the absolute certainty that someone has violated New York State law, possibly multiple times.” The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office initially rejected the application on grounds that you can’t trademark a facial expression. James responded with Resting Prosecution Face during the appeals hearing, and the trademark was approved within minutes. The examining attorney later described the experience as “professionally humbling and personally devastating.”
Marketing experts note that Resting Prosecution Face has become James’ most recognizable brand asset. “Most politicians try to look approachable,” noted branding consultant Doug Pemberton. “James has gone the opposite direction, building her brand around looking like she’s mentally calculating the statute of limitations on your unpaid parking tickets. It’s bold, it’s unique, and apparently it’s very effective.” Political opponents have attempted to develop counter-expressions, but “Resting Defense Face” just looks confused, and “Resting Innocence Face” looks guilty. James has cornered the market on prosecutorial expressions, which according to the FTC’s antitrust guidelines might technically be a monopoly, but nobody wants to be the one to tell her that.
SOURCE: https://warroom.top/letitia-james-resting-prosecution-face/
SOURCE: Bohiney.com (https://warroom.top/letitia-james-resting-prosecution-face/)
