Jury Duty dress code

[HokieGeek]

So I have a jury summons for august.

Actually, I had a jury summons yesterday, but I got caught up at work and totally forgot. But, no worries. They called me up about an hour after I was supposed to be there and rescheduled for August. Pretty short leash!

So, I'm wondering what to wear. Is a suit overkill? Shirt and tie? I'm normally a jeans + shirt guy although I am quite willing and capable to shine up. I figure slacks, button-down and tie. I think that sounds about right. Thoughts?

 

[Prince]

With slacks and a button up shirt you'll still be better dressed than most there. I've been before ( In Dallas TX ) and I wouldn't walk out of the house wearing what half the people had on.

A tie would really make you stand out. Although I'm not sure if that is your intent.

 

[dpm802]

I figure slacks, button-down and tie. I think that sounds about right. Thoughts?

That's a good set-up. You will neither be over-dressed nor under-dressed.

Read your jury summons carefully, or go online to research, there may be instructions in there about any dress code that applies. More than likely, if there are codes, they are mostly the "DON'T" variety ... i.e. no sweat-suits, no baseball hats, no torn clothing, etc. They rarely tell you what you should be wearing.

Also, if you've never done jury duty before, be prepared for a lot of "Hurry Up and Wait" mentality. Bring along a book to read, some crossword puzzles, an iPod (may or may not be allowed,) etc. Jury duty is an awful long day of just sitting there waiting to be called.

 

[Austin]

Dress comfortably. You may have a long wait.

 

[RichGem]

Ditto what Prince said. Buuuuuuuutttt, if you really overdress the part, you stand a chance of being excused (IMHO), since lawyers don't usually want someone on the jury who could be construed as an obvious leader or having undue influence.

(not saying, of course, that you should shirk your civil duty)

 

[stobes21]

Ditto what Prince said. Buuuuuuuutttt, if you really overdress the part, you stand a chance of being excused (IMHO), since lawyers don't usually want someone on the jury who could be construed as an obvious leader or having undue influence.

(not saying, of course, that you should shirk your civil duty)

+1. as a lawyer I can tell you that attorneys definitely look at potential juror's dress as one factor to determine who to excuse. You will certainly stand out in a suit. Many lawyers, particularly criminal defense attorneys and personal injury plaintiff's lawyers will automatically excuse anyone wearing a suit. If you want to make it on to the jury go for something casual but neat like jeans and a button down or a polo. And as others have said: be prepared for a long wait. Bring a book. But be aware that an attorney may want to know what you are reading and consider that in evaluating you.

 

[nceuphoria]

The last time I had jury duty I simply walked in with a pair of levi's and a polo t shirt. The more surprising thing was I saw people there wearing hoodies and sweatpants and such.

 

[Swampfox]

The last time I had jury duty I wore khakis and a button down shirt, and a button down shirt. I think that was the right attire.

 

[RichGem]

The last time I had jury duty I wore khakis and a button down shirt, and a button down shirt. I think that was the right attire.

Two button down shirts didn't make you stand out?

 

[Prince]

Two button down shirts didn't make you stand out?

Depends. Were they contrasting colors with popped collars?

 

[riooso]

Dress comfortably and take a good book to read. Nice comfortable pants and a sports shirt is just fine.....and of course a good shave under your belt.


Take Care,
Richard

 

[RichGem]

Dress comfortably and take a good book to read. Nice comfortable pants and a sports shirt is just fine.....and of course a good shave under your belt.


Take Care,
Richard

Or, on your face, where your efforts will at least show.

 

[Obsessed]

If you're hoping not to actually get selected as a trial juror, and Maryland is anything like New York, then August is a good time to have jury duty. A lot of judges and lawyers take vacation in August.

 

[Swampfox]

Two button down shirts didn't make you stand out?

Didn't realize I did that, so no one else noticed, except a penguin and a Muppet.

Depends. Were they contrasting colors with popped collars?

I use the one underneath as an undershirt. And if it gets too hot, you can take the top one off and still be appropriately dressed.

Dress comfortably and take a good book to read. Nice comfortable pants and a sports shirt is just fine.....and of course a good shave under your belt.

What kind of court do you go to?

 

[BCatl]

Last time I was called, I wore a sort of a casual business outfit with a sport coat.

I never got called upstairs, just sat there half the day.

However, next time I might wear something really wild to make sure I don't get chosen if called. But you never know. It's regretful that we need the jury system but no one is wild about serving.

 

[HokieGeek]

Also, if you've never done jury duty before, be prepared for a lot of "Hurry Up and Wait" mentality. Bring along a book to read, some crossword puzzles, an iPod (may or may not be allowed,) etc. Jury duty is an awful long day of just sitting there waiting to be called.

I totally plan on taking one or two books!

Ditto what Prince said. Buuuuuuuutttt, if you really overdress the part, you stand a chance of being excused (IMHO), since lawyers don't usually want someone on the jury who could be construed as an obvious leader or having undue influence.

(not saying, of course, that you should shirk your civil duty)

+1. as a lawyer I can tell you that attorneys definitely look at potential juror's dress as one factor to determine who to excuse. You will certainly stand out in a suit. Many lawyers, particularly criminal defense attorneys and personal injury plaintiff's lawyers will automatically excuse anyone wearing a suit. If you want to make it on to the jury go for something casual but neat like jeans and a button down or a polo.

Now I hadn't thought of that! that's pretty interesting.

And as others have said: be prepared for a long wait. Bring a book. But be aware that an attorney may want to know what you are reading and consider that in evaluating you.

oohh! Man, I could have some fun with that with some of the books in my book cases!!

Dress comfortably and take a good book to read. Nice comfortable pants and a sports shirt is just fine.....and of course a good shave under your belt.

........

Thanks gents. I think I'll stick with the tie and shirt. Now I need to figure out if I want to take the book I'm currently reading (Carl Sagan's Contact) or something.... different

 

[RF1963]

Thanks gents. I think I'll stick with the tie and shirt.

My thoughts as a cynical retired Police Officer still baffled by perverse jury decisions.

If you don't actually want to sit on a jury wearing a shirt and tie, or even better a suit, and carrying a broadsheet newspaper will almost guarantee that you will be challenged by the defence.

Alternatively if you actually want to sit on a jury I recommend that you dress so as to appear as one of the great unwashed. An unironed t shirt, faded jeans and a week's worth of stubble should get you onto a jury.

I posted this before seeing the post by Stobes21 - still it's always good to let off steam occasionally!

 

[HokieGeek]

An unironed t shirt, faded jeans and a week's worth of stubble should get you onto a jury.

I... I don't think I could do that. Definitely before I picked up a DE, but now? I would miss 3 shaves!... I WON'T DO IT!!

 

[kwk285]

I have jury duty on Monday. I am writing down reasons that will get me excused from sitting on a jury without getting in trouble.

 

[jpakstis]

As a prosecutor, I would want to have someone who's dressed well, but not standing out. If its hot (as it is in Boston right now), polo shirt, khakis, etc. are great. If its cooler (as I wish it was!), a long sleeve button-down, or sweater, khakis, etc. I have never asked someone what they are reading during the wait, but that's pretty interesting. Then again, I'm not prosecuting O.J. Simpson, so all I care about is getting 12 people to pay attention (I prosecute insurance fraud).

Unless of course you don't want to sit on the jury. Then the sky's the limit!