We are at the beginning of a long court case. I've been reading up on proper attire for women in the court room. I was surprised to read from several sources that wearing pants in the courtroom is very against tradition and can provoke a negative reaction from the judge. How heavy is this tradition still? I know that in most cases women can wear pants, but should I? Would it be in my best interest to invest in a couple of skirt suits? I want to leave the best impression possible.
2007-02-27 08:37:06 · 12 answers · asked by angelgirl 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I think being conservative in dress and defintely having propriety and professionalism go without saying. Also being prepared is entirely separate.
To quote from one article that caused me to wonder:
"Pants: Handle with care
As a woman, approach pants with caution. Most courts are still very traditional and female attorneys are not allowed to wear pants. A female attorney observing in federal court was recently removed from the courtroom for wearing pants. While there is certainly no rule against witnesses or clients wearing pants, it is usually best not to draw unnecessary attention to yourself. Some older judges still feel it is very inappropriate for a woman to wear pants in court, so tread carefully."
I am curious about how outdated this warning may be. I am sure people wear all kinds of awful, unrespectful and innappropriate items to the court room. If pants are still on that list, then it would be best to avoid them as well. So are they still taboo?
2007-02-27 09:14:12 · update #1
After 30 years of law enforcement and attending cases in court...I can say that MOST judges are not "old prudes" that fail to adhere to the ways of the "modern woman."
I have seen defendants, victims, and female attorneys more times than you can imagine appear in court wearing pants.
Just remember that your attire should be neat, clean, and project an appropriate style of clothing. Wearing something that is "suggestive" in nature would not be a wise move. A professional looking outfit is certainly appropriate.
Best wishes on your case!
2007-02-27 08:44:16 · answer #1 · answered by KC V ™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as your attire is not too revealing, you shouldn't have a problem.
Believe it or not, it should also depend on the weather. You should not be wearing a skirt in court when it's 20 degrees outside, just to be more 'traditional.' This sends out a somewhat
"I care more about what I have on than being comfortable" vibe that may be offputting to your jury members.
However, you shouldn't blend into your background. You want to leave a memorable impression, and believe it or not, people tend to remember things that are different, whether they mean to or not. For example, do not wear ALL black, or all gray. If you are wearing gray pants and a gray jacket, try and spice it up with a little bit of color in the shirt, or a memorable pin.
Also, try and wear blue. It portrays truth.
Remember, it's about being professional. If you don't look professional, it's hard to be taken seriously.
2007-02-27 08:51:10 · answer #2 · answered by Serenity 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't really matter. Wear what you want; besides, a good judge will judge the case - NOT what you wear. Don't dress inappropriately, but you're free to wear pants or skirts. If you really want to make a good impression, be 100000% (extra zeros on purpose) prepared for your case! Doing the best possible job will leave a better impression than dressing nicely or with tradition. Good luck!
2007-02-27 08:42:47 · answer #3 · answered by ksdancer1993 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Today so long as you dress as nicely as possible, you should get a normal reaction from any judge save the extremely old ones (those that come from an era where "pants" were considered casual clothing rather than business clothing). Dressing like a hootchie or like you just got in from gardening is what they frown upon.
2007-02-27 08:48:58 · answer #4 · answered by mamasquirrel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
women can wear pants as long as they are suit pants and in good taste. when my daughter in law goes to court and she is an atty she wears mostly suit ensembles..black, brown, and grey. she will accent her clothes with a blouse that is white, red, pink, or cream depending on the color she has chosen for that day. She does wear skirts but during the winter she wears mostly pant suits
2007-02-27 08:43:00 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Sparkling♥Jules♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of case? Civil, criminal? What is your role? Atty, witness?
My experience is that women are the most savage about other women's courtroom attire. Avoid short skirts, revealing clothing. Go super-conservative business-wear.
2007-02-27 08:41:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Professional dress would be suitable attire.
i.e. pants suit or skirt suit.
2007-02-27 09:09:12 · answer #7 · answered by Smitty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like young girls in jeans. It creates them look more city like and it doesn't appear to be they try too much but if you are trying to get this fellas attention, this may not be what you would like
2017-03-03 13:16:29 · answer #8 · answered by John 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do enjoy wearing long skirts once in a while. They are simply actually more comfortable than Denim jeans and also much less hot to wear.
2017-01-31 00:52:53 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter what you wear, and it shouldn't have any bearing on the outcome of the case.
2007-02-27 08:44:33 · answer #10 · answered by RodneyRowland 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋