Jurors’ service is a legal obligation through which people are expected to play a part in the legal system. It is a formal event and therefore there is a strict dress code that must be adhered to. This guide will assist you anytime you need to appear in court in regard to what to wear in order to be respectable and comfortable.
At the same time, the reader will get the understanding of the necessity of adherence to dress code in relation to the jury duty.
The clothes you wear when you receive a summons to serve on a jury is also important. Being in a court is serious business and your clothing should also reflect this fact. Proper dressing is a way of respecting the court, the legal procedure and everyone involved in the case.
Aspects to Take into Account when it comes to Jury Duty Attire
But before going straight to the type of clothing that is suitable for a particular occasion, there are some general rules that should be taken into account.
Comfort:
It can be a very lengthy process in which one has to sit for many hours and therefore comfort is of paramount importance here. Select clothes which may be worn all day without feeling uncomfortable.
Respect:
Courtroom are places were people behave properly and are polite to each other. As for dressing, the dress code must be rather formal and rather conservative.
Neutrality:
Do not wear clothes that have logos, slogans or anything that can be viewed as having a sign of prejudice or anything that can be viewed as obscene.
Weather:
Also take the weather into consideration as the courtrooms may be pretty cold. Extra layering may be required to feel comfortable.
Suitable Attire for Men
For men it is recommended to have business casual look that will be comfortable during working day and appropriate for the atmosphere in the courtroom.
Shirts:
A collared shirt which could be a buttoned down or a polo shirt is appropriate. They should avoid any bright colors and should rather opt for pastel colors such as white, blue or grey.
Pants:
Trousers may be casual or formal, but chinos or dressed pants are recommended. Do not wear jeans especially if they are torn or have been bleached in some way.
Shoes:
This means no sandals or flip flop, only shoes with a closed toe. Choose between loafers or dress shoes that are as close to neutral color as possible. Make sure that they are fitting for walking and or standing.
Jackets:
A blazer or sports coat may be worn to introduce formality. If it is cold then wearing a shirt with a sweater over it is also acceptable.
Accessories:
Keep accessories minimal. A watch and a belt will be enough.
Suitable Attire for Women
Women should also try to achieve a business-casual look which makes the women look both professional and relaxed.
Tops:
For the upper part, a blouse, button down shirt or a decent sweater will be appropriate to wear. Avoid going for bright colors or complicated prints on your outfit.
Bottoms:
Slacks, skirts or dress pants are acceptable. Make sure skirts as well are worn to the knees or below the knee. No clothes that are too fitting or revealing.
Dresses:
A dress that is neither too short nor too tight should also be fine.
Shoes:
For footwear it is advisable to wear only flat shoes, shoes with laces and low heels. Shoes used should be comfortable particularly for those who will be standing or walking for most part of the time.
Accessories:
For accessories, it is better not to overdress them and make them too eye-catching. Stay away from anything fancy and loud.
What Not To Wear to Jury Duty
There are some outfits which one should not wear when going for jury duty. These include:
Casual Attire:
Do not wear jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. These are too informal for a court room looks.
Revealing Clothing:
Nothing that shows off much skin should be worn; that includes low-cut tops, short skirts, and anything that is skin-tight.
Graphic Tees:
This means that clothing with logos, slogans or images can be distracting and therefore not suitable for court.
Hats:
However, there are certain cases where it is prohibited to be in a courtroom with a hat, unless by the belief of the religion.
Strong Scents:
Body sprays, or fragrances should be used moderately because some scents may be unpleasant to other people.
A Guide to Clothing when Serving on a Jury
Your outfit should also depend on the period of the year and the prevailing weather conditions at that period.
Spring/Summer:
Cotton is such a fabric that has to be used when choosing clothes for the hot season. For men, they may have to wear less colourful shirts while women may choose short sleeves or even dresses.
Fall/Winter:
Layering is key. For men, it is possible to wear sweaters on top of their shirts while for women, they can wear cardigans or blazers. Scarves and coats can also be worn in order to be warm.
Grooming and hygiene are very important aspects of human life
Besides, what you wear, personal cleanliness also contributes to your appearance in a special way.
Hair:
Make sure your hair is well groomed and washed. Do not go for such relaxed haircuts as messy buns or sloppy facial hair like beard.
Nails:
It is necessary to wash your nails often and cut them properly. Do not go for bright nail polish colors.
Hygiene:
Bathtub and use of deodorant is compulsory. But as stated above, avoid overdoing it especially on the use of perfumes or colognes.
Preparing for the Unexpected
As the court proceedings are unpredictable the above issues may arise. The only thing that can be said about such changes is that it pays to be ready for change.
Bring a Sweater or Jacket:
It’s also important to stay warm because courtrooms can be chilly; having an additional layer of clothing does not hurt.
Comfortable Shoes:
However, if you love to wear high heels it is advisable to wear flat shoes in case you have to travel for long distances.
Pack a Snack and Water:
Sometimes it can take several hours, so having a small snack and water is a good thing.
Common Questions about Jury Duty Dress Code
Is it appropriate to wear sport shoes to jury service?
T-shirts are too informal for a court and sneakers are no exception to this rule. Instead choose closed-toe shoes such as dress shoes, loafers or flats.
What should I wear to court: can I wear a t-shirt and jeans to jury duty?
T-shirts are also unfitting and should not be worn. A collared shirt, blouse or a sweater will be more appropriate.
In case you are not sure about the dress code what should you do?
On the whole it can be stated that it is better to be dressed in formal way than in informal way. The best attire is business-casual, as it is not too formal, but still professional.
Where do jurors sit during the trial if they are allowed to wear a hat?
Hats should not be worn in the courtroom, but if they are worn it should be for religious purposes only.
What if I have to wear something for some medical condition?
If you have some medical condition that would require you to wear something specific, it is wise to notify the court earlier.
Is it appropriate for me to dress brightly to the jury summons?
Although it is not strictly forbidden, it is more appropriate to use only pastel colors so that there are no doubts about the business-correctness of the page.
What are the ways I can make myself comfortable throughout the day?
Wear business casuals to work because they are professional and at the same time you are comfortable in them. This includes layers of clothing, comfortable shoes as well as a snack and water.
Conclusion
It is always appropriate to dress formally for the jury duty to show respect of the court and the process. By dressing formally and comfortable at the same time you will be prepared for the day ahead and you will look professional. As I have mentioned, do not dress too flashy or too openly, and think about the weather and court setting before dressing up. Using these tips, you are well equipped to go and exercise your rights as a citizen without any anxiety.
