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I haven't worked for over 2 years now and tossed my working wardrobe.

I have only formal dresses and jeans, seriously.

Are jeans (regular Gap jeans, nothing fancy but no holes or frays) acceptable?

I really don't want to go out and buy clothes for this.

I'm aware that I misspelled proper

[This message edited by kajsa at 10:33 AM, May 5th (Thursday)]

I've heard business casual. But I go in jeans, sneakers, t-shirt.

I think it might depend on the area where you live. I wore business casual the last time I went (dress slacks and a nice blouse) and was much better dressed than 90% of the people that showed up. I think if you aren't flashing a lot of skin, you are ok. (some folks male and female didn't even follow that rule when I was there )

I knew I'd be sitting a long while if I got chosen on any given day for duty (they let panels show every day & choose from them for ongoing cases). Anyway. I wore comfortable slip-on shoes, cotton pants (not horribly dressy - dress casual), and a non-revealing/high collar cotton shirt plus took a thin jacket. They had to search my purse one day when a convict was testifying against someone (brought in in shackles & orange jumpsuit)...make sure you are light on the stuff in your purse so them dumping it on a table in front of everyone isn't time-consuming or embarrassing. The judge @time in our county (retired now) was scary....after hearing him give a speech about obligations & how serious everything was, I didn't wanna make him angry or anything. My BIL was on same jury panel & got excused once b/c something he said during jury selection...I would not have wanted to be in his shoes when the judge pulled him up-front for a lecture in front of everyone plus beside the two attorneys prosecution/defense. I thought he was going to be arrested on-the-spot for contempt of court or something, as he almost blew the whole jury selection process (which would have made them have to come back another day with other jury panels who had not heard the comments my BIL made).

You could likely pick up something cheap at a Goodwill or Salvation Army or consignment shop that is appropriate, if all you have is jeans.

One of our cases had a defendant come in to court in a seafoam green suit. My guess is he was trying to look presentable, but couldn't afford anything else except an old suit from the 70s (or something from Goodwill's retro closet). But, he was wearing a suit.

The only courtroom attire rule that I've seen judges enforce is no shorts. I've seen them toss people for shorts and even file contempt (he was especially ornery). Particular sticklers won't even allow skorts.

Jeans, as long as no holes or frays, are acceptable. Don't buy new clothes for jury duty. You'll probably still be better dressed than most other jurors.

I don't know what you should wear but I fixed your title for you.

It's supposed to be a jury of peers, right? Most of the cases I've seen, even in jeans I'm better dressed than the defendant's family/friends. Of course the defense attorney usually makes sure the defendant has a suit or at least presentable attire. Unless, of course, it's a white collar crime.

NL

If you want to be excused, this would be proper.

total t/j here due to darkbeast's post.

My birthmom jokes that the best way to be excused is to answer every question by beginning with the phrase, "As the prophecy says..."

Combined with darkbeast's recommended attire, it'll probably clear the courtroom for you.

Disclaimer: I am not encouraging getting out of jury duty. It is our obligation as citizens. I just crack up when I here that.

[This message edited by Fighting2Survive at 7:46 PM, May 5th (Thursday)]

kdny......thanks!!

make sure you are light on the stuff in your purse so them dumping it on a table in front of everyone isn't time-consuming or embarrassing.

I never even thought about that and I am glad you mentioned it because I never clean my purse out and always carry a bag of catnip which might have appeared suspicious. Thank you.

Sounds like I'll be alright in jeans, I'm sure they will let me know if they are inappropriate should I be chosen to serve.

db and f2, If I thought they wouldn't haul me off to jail I'd give both suggestions a shot

Thanks to all for your input!

edited to add that catnip is for shelter use

[This message edited by kajsa at 12:55 PM, May 5th (Thursday)]

This one works every time for me ...

Yup, TR, that would most certainly do the trick

I am on the "good juror" list in my county and get called every 2 years or so. I have almost always worn jeans and it has never been an issue.

Make sure that you bring a book, because you will be sitting and waiting for a LONG time. Even if you get picked for a trial, you will spend as much time waiting in the jury room as in the court room.

This thread has me .

kajsa, only YOU would walk around with catnip in your purse. I can imagine the conversation, 'I swear officer, it's catnip, really, it is!'

You could wear your Super Mouse/Pigeon Rescuer outfit

Bring two magazines, People, and Scientific American. Hold them together, covers outwards, so that the prosecutor sees People, and Scientific American is seen by the defence. They will likely both want to excuse you.

From a trial attorney-dress for YOU-be comfy. Just don't wear shorts, tank tops and you're fine.

I think pp is trying to make sure you do get jury duty.....

Bring two magazines, People, and Scientific American. Hold them together, covers outwards, so that the prosecutor sees People, and Scientific American is seen by the defence. They will likely both want to excuse you.

As a defense atty-I'd LOVE to see a juror w/Scientific America-they'd be smart enough to not only be foreman-(lead my sheep!) but not convict someone because they "think" he's guilty. They'd look for proof.

As a (former) prosecutor-I'd likely be indifferent to seeing a People Magazine--it might make me think they're dumb -and will convict someone b/c they "look" guilty. The funny thing is-People is one of my favorite magazines

[This message edited by MoreThanMe at 5:44 PM, May 5th (Thursday)]

The magazine you want to bring with you is Jury Nullification Monthly ...

The magazine you want to bring with you is Jury Nullification Monthly ...

That'd get ya struck for cause.But it'd sure as all get ya outta jury duty.

Okay then, I amend my magazine suggestions to National Review and High Times.

As far as questioning, remember to say

'I can tell if someone's guilty just by looking at them'.