Courtroom Etiquette

Proper Clothes

Any time you are to appear in court, you should dress as though you are going to a job interview. Men should wear pants and a shirt with a collar. A suit, jacket, or tie is always appropriate. Women should wear a dress, skirt, or pants that are not too tight, too short, or low cut. It is never proper to wear shorts, T-shirts, or sandals. Excessive makeup or jewelry should not be worn. In the courtroom itself, it is never proper to wear a hat, read a newspaper, eat, or chew gum.

Children and Court

While it is important for a person charged with an offense to have family members and/or friends present for a trial or sentencing on a case, it is seldom, if ever, beneficial to have small children present. If there is a possibility that you may be arrested in the court or sentenced to jail time, you should not bring children to the court unless you have someone to care for your child in the event you are placed in jail. The court may actually contact CPS (Child Protective Services) to take the child into custody if a parent is going to jail.