What to Wear to Jury Duty and Courtroom Etiquette Rules

The morning of jury duty presents an unexpected dilemma that causes more anxiety than it should: staring into your closet wondering what on earth constitutes appropriate courthouse attire. Studies show that 45% of first-time jurors report significant stress about dress code violations, fearing they'll be turned away or judged for their clothing choices. This seemingly trivial concern reflects deeper anxieties about fitting into the formal legal environment and showing proper respect for the judicial process. The reality is that courtroom dress codes and etiquette rules, while less rigid than in past decades, still maintain standards that many citizens rarely encounter in their daily lives. Business casual has replaced strict suit requirements in most jurisdictions, but the definition of "business casual" varies wildly, and some judges maintain traditional formal expectations. Beyond clothing, courtroom etiquette encompasses behavior, technology use, communication protocols, and dozens of unwritten rules that longtime court personnel take for granted but newcomers find bewildering. Understanding these expectations before entering the courthouse transforms you from an anxious outsider into a confident participant who can focus on civic duty rather than worrying about social missteps.

What You Need to Know About Jury Duty Dress Codes

Modern jury duty dress codes seek balance between maintaining courtroom dignity and recognizing that requiring formal business attire creates hardship for many citizens. Most courts now specify "business casual" or "appropriate attire" rather than mandating suits and ties. However, these vague standards create confusion, as business casual means different things in different industries and regions. What passes for professional in a tech startup might seem inappropriately casual in a traditional courthouse. Generally, think of courthouse attire as what you'd wear to a job interview at a conservative company, a religious service, or a important school event.

The underlying principle guiding dress codes is showing respect for the justice system and all trial participants. Your appearance sends messages about how seriously you take jury service and whether you respect the gravity of proceedings. While judges rarely dismiss jurors solely for clothing, inappropriate attire can create negative first impressions affecting how judges and attorneys perceive you during voir dire. More importantly, your appearance affects your own mindset—dressing professionally helps maintain the focused, serious attitude that jury service requires.

Specific prohibitions exist across virtually all courthouses, regardless of overall dress code flexibility. Clothing with offensive language, images, or symbols is universally banned. This includes profanity, drug or alcohol references, violent imagery, racist symbols, or political slogans. Revealing clothing that would be inappropriate in any professional setting—shorts, tank tops, crop tops, mini skirts—violates dress codes. Beachwear, gym attire, pajamas, and clothing with excessive tears or holes are prohibited. Hats and sunglasses must be removed inside courtrooms, though religious head coverings are permitted.

Footwear requirements often surprise potential jurors who assume any closed-toe shoe suffices. While flip-flops are obviously inappropriate, many courts also prohibit athletic shoes, work boots, or overly casual footwear. The concern isn't just appearance but also noise—shoes that squeak, click, or clump disturb proceedings. Choose comfortable but professional footwear suitable for potentially long days of sitting and walking courthouse corridors. Remember, you might need to climb stairs if elevators are busy, and you'll pass through metal detectors that might require shoe removal.

Weather and comfort considerations complicate dress code compliance, particularly during extreme seasons. Summer heat makes formal clothing uncomfortable, especially in older courthouses with inadequate air conditioning. Winter creates challenges with appropriate outerwear and weather-related footwear. The solution is layering—courtroom temperatures vary wildly, sometimes within the same day. Bring a professional jacket or cardigan even in summer. In winter, wear or bring professional shoes to change into after arriving. Your comfort affects your ability to focus on proceedings, so balance formality with practicality.

Cultural and religious considerations receive accommodation within dress code frameworks. Religious head coverings, whether hijabs, turbans, yarmulkes, or other faith-based attire, are protected. Cultural dress that maintains appropriate formality levels is acceptable. However, cultural or religious items cannot include weapons (like ceremonial daggers) or face coverings that prevent identification. If your religious or cultural practices require specific dress, inform court staff during check-in to prevent misunderstandings. Courts strive to respect diversity while maintaining security and decorum.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dressing for Jury Duty

Start preparing your jury duty outfit several days before reporting to avoid morning panic. Check your summons and court website for specific dress code guidance, as requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some courts provide detailed lists of acceptable and prohibited attire, while others offer only general guidelines. When in doubt, err on the side of formality. It's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for court proceedings.

For men, safe choices include dress pants or khakis with collared shirts, whether button-down or polo style. Ties are rarely required but never inappropriate. Blazers or sport coats add professionalism without requiring full suits. Avoid jeans unless specifically permitted, graphic t-shirts even under jackets, athletic wear of any kind, and casual sandals or sneakers. Ensure clothes are clean, pressed, and fit properly. Grooming matters too—neat hair, trimmed facial hair, and minimal cologne show respect for the environment.

For women, appropriate options include dress pants or skirts of modest length with blouses or professional tops. Dresses work well if they're not too casual, short, or revealing. Blazers, cardigans, or professional sweaters add polish. Avoid excessive jewelry that might create noise, strong perfumes that could trigger allergies, and high heels that make walking difficult. Ensure clothing isn't transparent, low-cut, or tight-fitting. Professional appearance doesn't require expensive clothing—clean, neat, and modest matters more than designer labels.

Consider practical accessories that enhance comfort without violating dress codes. Bring layers for temperature variation—courtrooms might be freezing while jury rooms are stifling. Pack comfortable but professional shoes if you're wearing dress shoes for appearance. Include necessary medical devices like back supports or compression socks that might affect clothing choices. Bring minimal jewelry to speed security screening. Consider clear bags for belongings, as some courts prohibit opaque bags or require extensive searches.

Prepare for multiple days if selected for trial, planning outfits that can mix and match. You don't need completely different outfits daily, but wearing identical clothing every day seems odd. Three or four professional pieces that combine differently suffice for most trials. Consider laundry logistics for extended trials. Keep a backup outfit accessible in case of spills or weather issues. Some jurors keep emergency professional clothing in their cars during trial service.

Common Courtroom Etiquette Rules

Electronic device etiquette has become the most frequently violated courtroom rule as smartphones became ubiquitous. Most courts require phones to be completely off—not just silenced—during proceedings. Vibrations are audible in quiet courtrooms and distract from testimony. Some courts collect phones before entering courtrooms, while others trust juror compliance. Never photograph or record anything in courthouses without explicit permission. Social media posting about jury service during trials is prohibited. Even checking time on phones might be interpreted as texting. Wear watches to avoid phone temptation.

Speaking and noise protocols in courtrooms require awareness of your acoustic impact. Whispered conversations carry further than you think in courtrooms designed for sound projection. Avoid talking during proceedings, even to ask fellow jurors questions. Write notes for later discussion. Coughing, sneezing, or other involuntary noises are understood, but try to muffle them. If you have persistent coughs or medical conditions causing noise, inform bailiffs who might arrange seating minimizing disruption. Never eat in courtrooms—even quiet snacks create noise and distraction.

Movement restrictions during proceedings prevent disrupting trial flow and attorney sightlines. Remain seated unless given permission to move. If you must use restrooms during testimony, wait for natural breaks if possible. If urgent, discretely signal bailiffs rather than simply leaving. Don't shift positions constantly or fidget excessively. Stretching or adjusting position occasionally is fine, but constant movement distracts everyone. During breaks, stand and move freely, but return to seats promptly when proceedings resume.

Interaction boundaries with trial participants maintain impartiality and prevent improper influence. Never speak to attorneys, parties, or witnesses, even casual greetings in hallways or elevators. If someone approaches you, politely indicate you cannot communicate and inform bailiffs. Avoid eye contact that might be interpreted as sympathy or hostility. Maintain neutral expressions during testimony, even if evidence is shocking or amusing. Your reactions could influence other jurors or suggest prejudgment.

Note-taking etiquette balances documentation needs with attention to proceedings. Most courts permit note-taking, providing materials for jurors. However, don't become so focused on transcribing everything that you miss witnessing demeanor and non-verbal communication. Write key points rather than verbatim records. Avoid doodling or writing unrelated content that suggests inattention. Keep notes confidential—don't share with anyone outside deliberations. Notes are typically collected and destroyed after verdicts to protect privacy.

Your Rights Regarding Appearance and Behavior

Religious expression rights protect faith-based appearance requirements within reasonable courthouse limitations. You cannot be excluded from jury service for wearing religious attire that complies with general modesty standards. This includes various head coverings, religious jewelry, and faith-based clothing styles. However, religious items cannot compromise security or identification requirements. If your faith prohibits oath-taking, you can affirm rather than swear. Inform courts about religious needs during voir dire or earlier to ensure accommodation.

Disability accommodations extend to appearance and behavior modifications necessary for your participation. If medical conditions require specific clothing (like compression garments), shoes (orthopedic footwear), or accessories (back braces), courts must accommodate these needs. Involuntary movements or vocalizations from conditions like Tourette's syndrome cannot disqualify you if you can otherwise serve. Request necessary accommodations in advance when possible, providing medical documentation if required. Courts want to enable service for all qualified citizens regardless of disabilities.

Comfort accommodations within dress code parameters recognize that jury service requires sustained physical presence. You can request permission for items enhancing comfort without compromising courtroom dignity—seat cushions for back problems, sweaters for temperature sensitivity, or reading glasses for reviewing documents. Reasonable requests are typically granted. However, comfort items cannot create noise, obstruct views, or otherwise disrupt proceedings. Balance personal comfort needs with communal courtroom requirements.

Expression limitations during jury service restrict certain constitutional rights to prevent trial interference. While you generally enjoy free speech, you cannot wear clothing with messages about the case, law enforcement, or justice system that might suggest bias. Political attire, even unrelated to the case, might be restricted. These limitations are temporary and narrowly tailored to ensure fair trials. After jury service, full expression rights resume. Understanding these temporary restrictions prevents conflicts with court personnel.

Privacy protections regarding appearance mean courts cannot require extensive personal grooming changes unless directly affecting hygiene or courtroom disruption. Natural hairstyles, including afros, braids, or locks, cannot be prohibited. Tattoos that aren't offensive need not be covered unless they directly relate to case issues. Reasonable makeup and jewelry are acceptable unless excessive. Courts must balance maintaining decorum with respecting individual expression and cultural differences.

Real Juror Experiences with Courtroom Etiquette

Jennifer arrived for jury duty in what she considered professional attire—nice jeans, a blazer, and fashionable boots. The bailiff pulled her aside, explaining that while she wasn't being dismissed, the judge preferred more formal attire for actual trial service. Embarrassed but grateful for the discrete correction, she dressed more formally for subsequent days. Her experience highlights how first impressions matter and why erring toward formality prevents awkward corrections.

Marcus, attending jury duty directly from his construction job, worried his work boots and simple clothing would seem disrespectful. He explained his situation to court staff, who assured him that clean, neat appearance mattered more than expensive clothing. The judge later commended him for fulfilling civic duty despite work obligations. His experience demonstrates that courts understand economic realities and value service over fashion.

David's phone rang during crucial testimony despite believing it was off. The judge halted proceedings, lecturing about courtroom disruption before threatening contempt charges for future violations. Mortified, David discovered his alarm had activated the phone. He learned to completely power down devices rather than trusting silence modes. His embarrassment reminds all jurors that technology management requires vigilance in courtrooms.

Sarah struggled with courtroom temperature fluctuations, alternating between shivering and sweating as ancient HVAC systems cycled irregularly. She started bringing multiple layers—cardigan, scarf, and blazer—adjusting throughout the day. Other jurors followed her example, creating an informal dress code of "professional layers." Her practical solution shows how comfort and professionalism can coexist with preparation.

Tips for Courtroom Success

Research specific courthouse requirements before attending, as dress codes and etiquette rules vary significantly. Some traditional judges maintain strict formality, while others embrace modern casual standards. Urban courts might differ from rural ones. Federal courts typically maintain higher formality than state courts. Call the jury office if website information seems vague. Speaking with recent jurors from your jurisdiction provides practical insights beyond official guidelines.

Observe veteran court personnel for behavioral cues about unwritten rules. Bailiffs, clerks, and court reporters model appropriate courtroom behavior through their professional conduct. Watch how they move, speak, and interact. Notice when they stand versus sit, when silence is expected, and how they handle disruptions. Following their lead helps you navigate unfamiliar protocols. However, remember they have privileges as court employees that don't extend to jurors.

Prepare for long, boring periods requiring sustained professional behavior. Trials involve extensive waiting, repetitive testimony, and technical evidence that tests attention spans. Your appearance and behavior must remain appropriate throughout, not just during interesting moments. Fidgeting, yawning, or showing boredom through body language seems disrespectful. Develop strategies for maintaining alertness and professional demeanor during tedious periods. Mental engagement shows through physical presentation.

Accept corrections gracefully if you inadvertently violate rules. Everyone makes mistakes in unfamiliar environments. If corrected about attire, behavior, or protocol, apologize briefly and adjust immediately. Don't argue, make excuses, or take corrections personally. Court personnel correct behaviors, not persons. Learning from mistakes shows maturity and respect. Your response to correction matters more than the initial error.

Balance individual comfort with communal respect throughout service. While courts accommodate reasonable needs, jury service isn't about personal comfort. Dress codes and etiquette rules prioritize courtroom dignity and trial fairness over individual preferences. Accept temporary restrictions as necessary for justice administration. Your minor inconvenience enables fair trials for parties facing life-altering consequences. This perspective helps tolerate temporary discomfort or expression limitations.

Quick Reference: Courtroom Dress and Etiquette

Acceptable attire includes business casual clothing, collared shirts and dress pants for men, professional tops and pants/skirts for women, closed-toe professional shoes, modest jewelry and accessories, and religious or cultural attire meeting general guidelines.

Prohibited items include offensive text or images on clothing, revealing or excessively casual attire, shorts/tank tops/flip-flops, strong fragrances or cologne, noisy jewelry or accessories, and hats (except religious coverings).

Required behaviors include turning off all electronic devices, maintaining silence during proceedings, remaining seated unless permitted to move, avoiding contact with trial participants, and following bailiff instructions immediately.

Prohibited behaviors include photographing or recording proceedings, discussing the case outside deliberations, showing visible reactions to testimony, eating or drinking in courtrooms (except water if permitted), and arriving late or leaving early without permission.

Understanding dress codes and etiquette rules helps you navigate jury duty confidently and respectfully. While requirements might seem formal or restrictive, they ensure proceedings maintain appropriate dignity and focus. Your appearance and behavior contribute to the courtroom environment affecting justice administration. By dressing appropriately and following etiquette rules, you demonstrate respect for the legal system, trial participants, and your fellow citizens seeking justice through the courts.