How to Dress for Jury Duty

How you are expected to dress for jury duty varies from state to state and often depends on the kind of court that summons you. Regardless of variations, respect for the court and the process should always be your guide.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blazers
• Men's Dress Belts
• Men's Dress Shirts
• Men's Dress Shoes
• Mens' Dress Pants
• Neckties
• Women's Dress Coats
• Women's Dress Pants
• Women's Dress Shirts
• Women's Dress Shoes
• Women's Dress Sweater

1. Focus on being conservatively dressed. This would exclude items such as halter or tank tops, miniskirts, shorts, spaghetti-strap or strapless dresses, and torn T-shirts or jeans.

2. Dress comfortably. You are likely to have a long day.

3. Wear layers. Temperature in the courtroom could be warmer or cooler than you prefer, so be prepared for either eventuality.

4. Be sure to bring your eyeglasses or other items you will need during the course of the day.

5. Consider the outside weather. You may have to park a considerable distance from the courthouse and will have to walk both ways.

6. Remember to bring your jury summons with you.

Tips & Warnings

• If you haven't a clue about what to wear, carefully check your summons for an informational phone number to call. Call it and ask what is appropriate. You may also be able to find information about your local court and instructions for jurors online.
• If the court requires "business attire," call for a definition. This may or may not mean that men should wear a coat and tie.
• If you show up wearing wildly inappropriate or immodest clothing, you may be asked to leave the courtroom. You're not likely to get out of jury duty this way, however, and will probably just be sent home to change.

Who Can Help Sponsored

on 2/21/2006 If you are chosen to serve on a jury, take a lunch for yourself. Normally, court is located in the city and food is rather expensive. The judge that served on the case was very nice and allowed me to store my lunch in his refrigerator for the week that I served. I was able to stay within my budget and after the jury duty was over, I treated myself to an eatery that I wanted to try.

on 11/22/2005 The jury chairs may be somewhat uncomfortable. If you are prone to back aches or headaches in certain lighting, take an aspirin or analgesic product with you to jury duty. Physical discomfort makes it difficult to concentrate on the matters at hand.

on 11/22/2005 A part of jury duty is being confined to a small and crowded locale. Wearing heavy perfume can be nauseating to some and may bring on an allergic reaction in others. Try to avoid wearing perfume or cologne while you're on jury duty.