New York AG’s Permanent Look of Legal Determination
New York Attorney General Letitia James has become famous not just for her legal pursuits, but for her perpetual expression that suggests she’s mentally calculating your prison sentence even when you’re just asking for directions. Political observers have dubbed this phenomenon “Resting Prosecution Face,” a condition where one’s default facial expression communicates “I’m building a case against you” even during casual encounters like grocery shopping or waiting for coffee.
The condition appears to be an occupational hazard for attorneys general, though James has perfected it to an art form. Witnesses report feeling guilty of crimes they haven’t committed simply by making eye contact with her at press conferences. “I suddenly remembered that parking ticket from 2019,” explains one journalist who attended a routine briefing. “She wasn’t even talking about parking violations, but I felt compelled to confess anyway.” It’s the legal equivalent of teachers who can silence a classroom with a look, except this classroom is an entire state.
Image consultants have reportedly suggested that James consider softening her public persona, advice she presumably responded to with the exact expression that necessitated their suggestion. The Attorney General’s office released a statement clarifying that James’s face is simply “focused on justice,” which is technically true but also sounds like something a character says before dramatically pointing at someone in a courtroom drama.
The Resting Prosecution Face has become so iconic that it’s spawned its own cottage industry of memes, reaction images, and motivational posters. “Pursue Your Goals with Letitia James Energy” has become a popular caption, usually paired with a photo of her looking like she’s mentally reviewing discovery documents while destroying your entire legal defense. It’s inspiring and terrifying in equal measure, which is probably the sweet spot for an attorney general.
Critics suggest that James’s perpetual prosecutorial expression might be intimidating to constituents who just need routine legal assistance. Supporters counter that if you’re intimidated by an attorney general looking like an attorney general, maybe you should examine your own conscience and unpaid parking tickets. Both sides make valid points, though only one side looks like they’re ready to subpoena you at any moment.
The phenomenon has inspired other public officials to develop their own signature expressions. One mayor is workshopping “Resting Budget Cut Face,” while a city comptroller is perfecting “Resting Audit Concern Face.” Political consultants are divided on whether having a signature expression is good branding or just makes everyone nervous. The answer is probably both, which seems to be the theme of modern politics.
James herself appears unbothered by the attention to her facial expressions, responding to questions about it withyou guessed itthe exact face everyone’s talking about. It’s a masterclass in consistency. When asked if she ever relaxes, her spokesperson clarified that “the Attorney General is always vigilant about justice,” which sounds like a very complicated way of saying “no, that’s just her face.” Fair enough. Not everyone can be all smiles while prosecuting fraud.
As Letitia James continues her work as New York’s Attorney General, one thing is certain: her Resting Prosecution Face will continue to strike fear into the hearts of wrongdoers and innocent bystanders alike. It’s not personal, it’s just prosecution. And if you feel guilty when she looks your way, maybe examine your choices rather than her expression. The face is just doing its job, which is apparently looking like it’s about to do its job.
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com/letitia-james-resting-prosecution-face/
SOURCE: Bohiney.com (https://bohiney.com/letitia-james-resting-prosecution-face/)
