HOW TO DRESS FOR COURT
There is a particular dress code which should be adhered to when you are appearing in Court. There is an expectation that Applicants, Respondents and Defendants dress appropriately for the occasion and as a general rule, this would ordinarily mean strict formal attire for both men and women during any Court appearance. Dressing appropriately demonstrates to the Judge or Magistrate that you respect his or her Court, are interested in the case and appreciate the gravity and importance of the occasion. This strict dress code applies whether you are appearing in the Family Court of Australia or the Magistrates Court of Queensland.
Having appeared in Court as a lawyer in hundreds of cases over the years, I have seen judicial officers eject those from the courtroom for wearing a singlet and also refuse to entertain lawyers who have attempted to appear without wearing a tie. I have also seen judicial officers make comment on how well dressed those I have acted for were after entertaining previous appearances by those who weren’t dressed so appropriately.
Earlier this year, a woman appeared before a Magistrate reportedly wearing a singlet, shorts and thongs in response to charges of driving with a drug in her bodily fluid and unauthorised driving. The Magistrate pointed out the way the woman was dressed was not the proper way to appear and Court and that “it’s not the beach”. In response to this, the woman reportedly tried to justify her attire by stating “it’s 35 degrees outside”. In my experience, notwithstanding climatic conditions, the strict dress code will continue to apply unless expressly advised otherwise by the presiding judicial officer.
Appropriate attire would include smart business styling and a professional look. We can assist you in every step of the legal process and what is appropriate attire for the courtroom. Get in touch now to see how we can help you in achieving the best outcome for your case click here to book an appointment today.
SOURCE: Nca NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe/Couriermail