You are here

Dress Code and Courtroom Etiquette

Juror FAQ

Dress Code

When entering a courtroom, your attire should be respectful to the litigants, their counsel, and the Court; therefore, business attire is suggested. In addition, hats should not be worn unless for religious purposes. The temperature in the courtrooms is usually cool, so you may want to bring a sweater or light jacket. Finally, you must pass through a metal detector each time you enter the courthouse. Please keep this in mind as you choose your clothing and your shoes. Excess metal and jewelry may slow the screening process and delay your admittance to the building.

Juror Conduct and Courtroom Etiquette

Jurors should be punctual, appropriately dressed, and prepared to proceed through the security checkpoint. Please allow adequate travel time to the courthouse. A court proceeding begins when the judge takes his or her place on the bench, and the court official announces the opening of court. After the proceedings commence, jurors and individuals seated in the gallery should be attentive and quiet.

Jurors should have no conversations with spectators at any point during the trial and should promptly report to court personnel any attempts by outsiders to approach them. Even after the conclusion of the trial, no one should approach jurors about their service in a specific case.

The Clerk’s Office and the Court will extend every consideration to jurors, striving to ensure their comfort and convenience whenever possible. Jurors should bring any matter affecting their service, including personal emergencies, to the attention of the judge. Any court officer will assist jurors and keep the judge informed of their questions and concerns.