Courtroom Decorum
Dress Code
When in court it is in your best interest to look your very best for the judge, jury, prosecutor, and yourself. It psychologically helps you in court with your case and can heighten your chances of winning if you look like you are serious about the proceedings and play the part.
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 viewed as disrespect to the court. The following is proper dress code for the sexes:
For Men
- A dark suit is preferred. If a suit is not available, then slacks and a white shirt and tie at the minimum!
- Dress shoes (NEVER WEAR SNEAKERS IN A COURTROOM, PERIOD)
- Hair well groomed and neat. If you have long hair, make sure it is tied back and combed back.
- Don't bathe yourself in strong cologne. 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 fate to look at you with respect no matter what you are in court for.
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. Neon colors and brightly-colored nails are not acceptable. If you can avoid it, don't wear any polish beyond a clear coat or a French manicure.
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
When sitting in court, do not put your elbows on the tables at any given time. Sit up straight and look attentive at all times, unless you are injured. Slouching is a signal that you don't care about what is going on and you'd rather be home or doing something else. Pretend you are on TV in front of the world and you have to look your best.
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 Tips
- Be punctual.
- Do not talk during the proceedings while court is in session.
- DO NOT CHEW GUM.
- Do not bring books or magazines to read.
- Do not wear a hat in a courtroom — EVER!
- Do not 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.
- Conduct no experiment or demonstration without permission.
- Make no sidebar 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 your cell phone on - turn it off.
By following these basic simple rules and procedures, you greatly enhance your chances of winning in court. These are unwritten rules, but over the years people seem to have forgotten them.
For any questions about this or to learn more about how we can help you in court, contact the Law Offices of Thomas M. Root online or by calling 281-823-7016.