Going to Court: It's Not a Club
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
They mean a lot. People will judge you by how you look - it's unfair but true.
When you go to Court, you will be "judged." How you present yourself is very important.
Things you care about are at stake at Court. Depending on why you are at Court, it could be
- your freedom,
- where you live,
- your right to drive,
- your money
that are on the line. So as much as you may not like dressing differently from how you usually do,
it is important.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR:
- hats
- anything referring to sex, violence, cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol (real or fake)
- anything with a swear word
- hooded sweatshirts
- your winter coat
- anything that looks like a cell phone or pager
- tank tops
- pajamas
- flip flops
- shorts
- short miniskirts (more than 2 inches above the knee)
- shirts that show any part of your belly or your cleavage
- pants that fall below your underwear
- untied sneakers/shoes
- anything dirty, with holes or with patches
- t-shirts (wear a shirt with a collar)
- any weapons including pocket knives
- no cigarettes in your pocket or purse
TATTOOS/PIERCINGS:
It is better to not wear any facial piercings or show your tattoos. If your tattoo has any naked
body parts, swear words, drug or alcohol references or violence, make sure it is covered.
TALKING TO THE JUDGE:
In addition to what you wear, how you act will also make an impression on the Court.
- Stand when talking to the Judge
- Stand up straight
- Speak loudly so the Judge can hear you
- Look at the Judge when talking to her
- Answer verbally - don't just nod
- Do not mumble
DO NOT:
- Smoke cigarettes near the Court. Even outside, the judge, your probation officer or another law
enforcement officer can see you and possibly summons you.
- Discuss your case with your friends
- Talk about the party you just went to or how hung over you feel
- Talk about things you've gotten away with
- Talk about how you are going to "celebrate" later
FINAL TIPS:
- Arrive at court on time.
- Stay focused on what is happening in court. You can think and talk about other things later.
- Be respectful toward everyone you meet in court - including clerks, judges, lawyers, witnesses.
- Treat this as the important event that it is.
This publication was supported by grant #2004-JL-FX-0029 from the Office of Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or
recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the
views of OJJDP or the U.S. Department of Justice.
Last updated July 2005
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