Dress Code

When in court it is in your best interest to look your very best for the Judge & Jury.   It psychologically helps you in court with your case and can heighten your chances of a favorable decision if you look like you are serious about the proceedings.  

People who go to court in shorts and sandals will not get the same treatment that a person in a suit or nice dress would receive.  It looks, at least to the court that you have no interest in being there and that is looked at as disrespect to the court.   The following is proper dress code for the sexes:

For Men

• A dark suit or a dark outfit is preferred.   If a suit is not available, then slacks (or long skirt & conservative blouse) and a white shirt and tie at the minimum for men.
• Dress shoes (NEVER WEAR SNEAKERS IN A COURTROOM, PERIOD)
• Hair well groomed and neat.  Men, if you have long hair, make sure it is tied back and combed back.
• Don't bathe yourself in strong cologne or perfume.  This isn't a club and no one wants the distracting smell of another in court.
• Jewelry: one ring (wedding band) and a watch, if you have either.

The point here is you want the judge and any other people deciding your case to look at you with respect no matter what legal issue you are litigating.

For Women

• A nice dress or women's business suit.  At the minimum, a blouse and a skirt that is NO MORE THAN 2 inches above the knee.
• Panty hose
• Dress shoes or heels
• Hair neatly groomed
• Jewelry:  Same as for men.  A ring and a watch.  Nothing else.
• Perfume:  Again nothing that is too strong and don't bathe in it.  No one wants to smell you!
• Nail Polish:  Keep it simple.  Colors that are not acceptable are neon's and brightly colored nails.  If you can avoid it, don't wear any polish beyond a clear coat or possibly the French manicure is acceptable.

Again, the point here is you want the judge and any other people deciding your fate to look at you with as much respect as possible no matter what you are in court for.

Etiquette

Language

This is probably the most abused item in court besides dress.  Again you must remember you are not at a party with your friends.  You are in a courtroom.  Speak English as correctly as you are able.  Use of slang is not going to help you in any way.

Additional Etiquette

• Be punctual.
• Do not talk during the proceedings while court is in session.
• Do not chew gum or dip.
• Don't bring books to read or magazines.
• Don't wear a hat in a courtroom.
• Don't wear sunglasses unless you have a condition that is medically proven to hurt your eyes in light.
• Remain in attendance until excused. All persons sitting before the bar shall remain there during each session and return after recess. Parties and counsel must remain in attendance during jury deliberations; absence waives the right to attend the return of the verdict in a jury trial.
• Dress with dignity.
• Address others only by their titles and surnames, including lawyers, witnesses, and court personnel.
• Avoid approaching the bench. Counsel should anticipate the necessity for rulings and discuss them when the jury is not seated. When a bench conference is unavoidable, get permission first.
• Hand to the clerk, not the judge or reporter, all things for examination by the judge.
• Stand when the judge or jury enters or leaves the courtroom.
• Do not make any side-bar remarks.
• Request the use of easels, light boxes, and other equipment well in advance so that they may be set up while the Court is not in session.
• Do not have a cell phone on - better yet, leave it in your car.  Most Judges feel cell phones ringing during Court session is disrespect & may fine any party who forgets to shut the phone off.