Feb 18 2009
What Not to Wear if You Are Going to Court to Appear Before a Judge
What Not to Wear if You Are Going to Court to Appear Before a Judge
Although this list should be obvious, my years spent as an employee in the court system tells me that many people have no idea how to dress when they are about to appear in front of a judge. Here are a few tips for those unsure of how to get dressed before a big day in court.
1. No jeans, especially if they are ripped, stained, or have laces going down the side and show the side of your leg from hip to toe. If you had to lie on the bed to button the pants they are too tight as well. If you absolutely must wear jeans, a respectable, clean pair will do.
2. If jeans are looked down on, sweatpants or jogging suits are an absolute nightmare. Even if you just got a new South Pole, Timberland, or Adidas outfit, save it for after court.
3. Don’t wear any hats or headbands. In fact, wearing a hat or headband is generally forbidden by the court anyway. Hats specifically are still seen as disrespectful if worn indoors. It doesn’t matter if you are a female, take the hat off when you get inside.
4. A T-shirt that says “Juicy” on it or “Spoiled Rotten” might look cute with a pair of shorts at the park, but T-Shirts with cute names or slogans on them make you look like an idiot when you are about to appear before a Judge. I saw a sixty year old grandmother trying to get custody of her granddaughter wearing a Juicy T-Shirt, tight jeans and ridiculously high heels. Would you take her seriously?
5. Oversized clothing, especially pants that fall down around your knees. I know it’s still considered cool to wear your pants down around your ankles, why, I’m not sure. Find a smaller pair before going into the courtroom or you might as well have “guilty, I’m a thug” tattooed on your forehead.
6. Anything else that might make you look sleazy, cheap or skanky. This includes spaghetti strap tank tops, too high mini skirts and the above mentioned high heels. Keep the girls covered. The judge will not be swayed by a little (or a lot of) cleavage.
Remember that it is best to look clean and respectful when you are going to court. The only person you will hurt by trying to show off, trying to show the court you don’t care is yourself. Even if you don’t think so, first impressions matter and it is worth wearing that nerdy button down and pants for a few hours if it means winning your court case.
