2006-12-04 11:04:44 · 6 answers · asked by julieth m 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Dress like you're going to church, and I mean in 1965, not what they wear today.
Your main goal is to Show Respect for the Court.
This is not the forum to show off your individuality or artistic streak. Lose the piercings, cover the tatts. I would not even recommend wearing hiphugger pants (women), even with a nice top or suit jacket. If you can't manage a nice dress, then buy dress slacks that come up to your waist.
A suit is best of all. If you can't afford a new one, consignment shops usually have some very upscale suits at a good price. Dress older, and mature, even if you think you look like your aunt. Young and stupid is enchanting, but not good in court. (Think Britney).
Cleavage is an absolute no-no. Button up. If you have a good shape, don't show it off. It makes you look like you trade on it. Don't wear anything that is skin-tight--you risk being taken UNseriously about like Anna-Nicole or Pamela Lee.
Do not dress like the women you see on TV who are wearing jeans and a cute snug top while doing consultant work telling other people how to dress. I wear jeans all the time at home, but wouldn't pay for anyone's "professional" opinion if I hired them and they showed up in jeans. Jeans are not for court, either.
If you have three inches of black roots with blonde hair, don't expect to look poverty-stricken and get sympathy. Get your hair touched up. Every last detail in your appearance has to indicate that you are a responsible person with great respect for the court.
For guys, a suit will also make him stand out. I've seen "men" appear for court with their pants hanging down around the knees. Yeah, they had their butt crack covered with a big shirt, but so what? Piss off the judge, get another ten years. It's amazing that you even have to tell people this, but I see it all the time.
Again, show respect for the court. If you STILL have questions about what not to wear, find someone at your office, your church or business who always looks professional, and ask them for help finding a nice suit and sensible shoes. Good luck to you.
2006-12-04 11:22:51 · answer #1 · answered by His Old Lady 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depends. Are you one of the parties involved in the case, a lawer witness or a juror? If you are any of these, it is best to look respectable. No jeans t-shirts and hats. No gum either. What the person said above about the Lawyers is correct.
If you are simply observing with no connection to the court or the case, you can wear whatever you like (as long as you wear something and are not breaking any laws)!
Check out the Supreme Court case of Cohen v. California. The guy actually wore a jacket that said "f*ck the draft" on it in a appeals court corridor. He got charged with contempt. It went to the Supreme Court and was reversed. (Although I dont recommend wearing a shirt with profanity)
2006-12-04 19:21:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you wouldn't wear it to an upstanding church or a formal business meeting, then do NOT wear it to court. Usually a suit and tie or a skirt suit is the norm. Sleeves should be 3/4 or full length for ladies. Skirts TO THE KNEES and no higher (longer is perfectly OK).
2006-12-04 19:50:48 · answer #3 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It actually depends on whether you are lawyer or not. Lawyers MUST wear a jacket (men and women) though they MAY take it off sometimes (as long as the judge can still see it - i think). Parties can wear whatever they want - except that if in a judge's point of view you are not properly dressed (it can be whatever) the judge can order you to get dressed right, and dismiss your case, grant a continuance or whatever to get it done, including throwing you in jail for contempt if you give him/her any lip. Also in almost every state it is against the law to bring a criminal defendant before a jury dressed in prison garbs (it violates the defendant's rights unless the defendant wanted to be tried in prison garbs) Bottom line, if you got a court date then dress in your Sunday finest to be safe.
2006-12-04 19:12:27 · answer #4 · answered by Another Garcia 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I attend many court proceedings and I am constantly amazed what people will wear to court! They come in cut-off shorts & shirts; flip-flops; stained & dirty clothes; baseball caps, etc. Wear somthing decent and respectable!
2006-12-04 19:10:13 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. CoCo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Last time I was in court, waaaay back in, lessee...can't recall. Anyway, I wore sweats. **** 'em...what were they gonna do, kick me out?
2006-12-04 19:13:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋