Dressing for Jury Duty
If you are summoned to court for jury duty, and are wondering what to wear for jury duty, remember that you will be in a formal setting and should dress accordingly. Most people wear suits or dresses to court, but there is no specific dress code.
It’s your civic duty to serve on a jury when you’re called, but what should you wear?
If you are summoned to court for jury duty, remember that you will be in a formal setting and should dress accordingly. Most people wear suits or dresses to court or something reasonably dressy without going overboard. There is no specific dress code.. If you have questions about what to wear, talk with court personnel who will be summoning you to jury duty. Juries can be convened in criminal matters in the District Court and the Supreme Court in NSW.
When on jury duty, it is especially important to dress correctly, especially before you are actually selected as a juror (usually on the first day), as jurors are evaluated on their looks and attire.
When selecting your clothing, make sure that it is sober and dignified. Inappropriate clothing such as especially short skirts or ultra tight pants will not only make you look unprofessional, but also may offend other jurors. When going to court, choose clothes that will be comfortable but professional at the same time. You don’t have to wear a suit every day, but try to find something elegant yet practical such as a blazer or skirt suit with flats or sneakers for walking between buildings. Focus on making yourself presentable without being too severe about it
First Impressions Can Count
Judges and attorneys rely on jurors to reach a verdict, so dressing for the occasion is key. Experts will typically instruct jurors to dress “appropriately” – this generally means wearing clothing that is professional but not too formal or flashy.
When selecting your outfit, keep in mind that you’ll be sitting close together in a courtroom setting. Choose clothes that are comfortable but professional-looking. You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard, but at the same time you don’t need to looked overdressed. Consider opting for something more versatile like khakis or smart jeans paired with a blouse or collared shirt. When selecting footwear, choose boots instead of pumps for greater comfort. Finally, avoid wearing anything excessively bright or flashy; these types of colours can easily overpower other members of the jury panel and take away from your credibility as an impartial juror.
The Jury’s Out on Appropriate Jury Attire
When it comes to jury duty, there is no one right way to dress. First and foremost, make sure you are properly dressed for the weather. It is advisable to dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as the temperature changes. If it’s hot outside, for example, you might want to take off your jacket or jersey. Conversely, if it gets cold outside, you might want to put on more layers. Much more importantly, though is the fact that the Courtroom will be air conditioned. The temperature is variable, but very often reasonably cool.
Also, be sure to wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. If you’re sitting for a long period of time, make sure your clothes don’t restrict your movement. And finally, avoid wearing clothes that make you look too formal. A jury is made up of everyday people just like you, so you don’t need to dress like a judge or lawyer when you’re in court.
Key Points on What to Wear for Jury Duty
Always dress neatly and reasonably conservatively.
Avoid wearing brightly coloured or gaudy outfits.
Don’t wear items that are likely to get caught on floorboards or other objects during the course of proceedings – this includes spikes, metal pins, high heeled shoes, and even large sparkly jewellery items.
The best way to dress for jury duty is to be respectful and professional. Your clothes should be clean and wrinkle-free, and you should avoid anything too casual or revealing. First impressions matter in the courtroom, so make sure you look your best.
