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Jury Duty

Sarah

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Veteran

Ugh. I am to report for jury selection later this week, and need some tips on what to wear.
It's already super warm here, although I will be inside the courthouse. I'm going to be far, FAR away from my house or where I usually hang out.
I've done this before at age barely 19, but what I wore 10 years ago is out of the question.
I want to be comfortable since I'll probably have to hunt for a bit to find lunch somewhere, but I obviously need to be professional.
What would you wear?

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from Sarah

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

PS: I thought about my black sheath (sleeveless) with a cardigan for indoors, and then open toed shoes...but then I got to thinking that closed toe would be more appropriate?

SW Ann

Veteran

HI!, Sarah, just keep in mind you will probably be sitting and waiting around for awhile, so think what you are comfortable in for that arrangement. I would probably wear pants for that reason, with a cardigan, or jacket that could be removed if you get hot. I'd probably wear a closed toe shoe, also, for the same reason.

MsMary

Veteran

As somebody who works in the court system, let me just thank you for wanting to dress appropriately! Mwah!!

Back in the day we used to tell witnesses and jurors "dress like you would for church," but that has pretty much lost its meaning at this point. I agree with Ann that you want to be comfortable while sitting around, and pants and a cardi or jacket would be just fine. Also keep in mind that no matter what the weather it could be either freezing cold or roasting hot in the building (government HVAC is notorious for being, uh, balky) so layers are probably the way to go.

Good luck and thank you again for your service!

Lori

Veteran

Seriously Sarah, no matter what you wear in your wardrobe, you will be better dressed than 90% of the people you see on jury duty, if it's anything like it is here. I was shocked at what some people will show up to court wearing. I don't think it is terribly inappropriate to wear open toed shoes as a juror, some will show up in flip flops, ratty sneakers, etc. - you will look like a million bucks in any variation of what we've seen you wear in your WIW posts.

amyreh

(website)

Veteran

You will look great in anything, I think if you want to wear peep toes or something that will be absolutely fine - I can only imagine what most people will show up wearing. I second the suggestions on comfort and layering! Have fun : )

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Thanks! I feel better. I was thinking too hard.
So Mary, can you tell me why I was assigned to a court SO far away from where I live? I'm very confused at that, but I guess it really is random, huh. It'll take me almost an hour to get there, so I really hope they a) reimburse mileage and b) it isn't a week long like the last time.
Otherwise, I really don't mind.

MsMary

Veteran

I don't know about Texas, but here they assign jurors based on need. But I think here (for state court) they would only assign you to your home district or to the central (downtown) district. If it's federal court, there are fewer way fewer courthouses (like, a maximum of one per county) so it's inevitable that some people have to drive a lot farther.

So my answer to your question is "I don't know!"

catgirl

Veteran

Whatever you wear will look good, Sarah - you are always stylish. If you want to get out of jury dury, show up looking like a maniac! Only kidding.

It is weird that you're so far from home... Is it federal court?

Heather

Veteran

Sarah, I think you know this, but you will see a little bit of everything in court! Remember to bring reading material!!!!

As far as what you wear, I think you will look brilliant in whatever you decide.

Also, bring a bottle of water and maybe a nibble in case you get tangled there. And maybe some coins for a vending machine visit (should the need arise). I am hoping you are released early.....

Can you tell I have gone for jury duty more than once? (8 times since moving to this great state....) My DH gets called and his group never has to report (this just happened two weeks ago for him--lucky duck).

Ginkgo

Veteran

I am so starved for opportunities to dress up that I was delighted to be called for jury duty last November -- and this was pre-YLF! Turned out to be the perfect civic opportunity: the case lasted only three days, the courthouse was in an upscale section of town with good cafes and boutiques to while away the lunch hour, one of the other jurors wore scarves with great flair, and the prosecutor wore ankle boots with her suit!

In my California county, we were paid $15 per day plus $0.15 per mile driving (based on our zip code).

I look forward to the next opportunity to serve -- as long as it's in the good part of town.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, your proposed sounds great to me, open toes and all...though I can see why you may tend to wards closed options. Personally I'd go with your gut.
Allow me, too, to spark a little Canuck envy in some of you...The rule here is you report for jury duty once in your life. Period.

afterism

I've been called to start next week as well. They may not want me yet but I still have to turn up so this thread is great timing.

Marley

Veteran

Sarah - it all depends on if you want to be assigned as a juror on a case. If you do, then just dress professionally and in layers because those courthouses are usually freezing! If you want to try your darndest to get out of jury duty - then dress like someone who just escaped from a locked-down psychiatric facility and act like you're cheering on your team at the Super Bowl! LOL

Steph

Veteran

The what to wear to jury duty question reminds me of trying a case where one of our jurors wore electric blue leggings as pants that were several sizes too small. (How can something as stretchy as leggings be worn too small, you ask? Believe me, they can.) The same juror also pulled a ringing cell phone out of her cleavage in the middle of testimony. It also reminds me of my friend who had a three week trial where one of the jurors wore the same Mickey Mouse sweatshirt every single day.

You will definitely be among the better dressed people there--closed versus open toe will make zero difference.

My guess is that you are in federal court and that's why you're so far away.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I am laughing so hard; with tears in my eyes...

@ "The same juror also pulled a ringing cell phone out of her cleavage in the middle of testimony."

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Patty

Veteran

Michelle my husband has had jury duty twice!! Only three years apart. Didn't make it to any jury at all--but was busy waiting and 'auditioning' for two weeks. But it sure managed to cause huge stress over his scene deadlines on the film he was working on.

Sarah--don't forget a big bag for your water, book, crosswords and pencils, snacks, coins-lots of coins, sunglasses, sweater, gum, wet wipes......

MsMary

Veteran

In our county we switched to "one day/one trial" a few years ago to avoid that whole scene, Patty. Now if you're not engaged in a trial (either having been picked for a jury or in the process of jury selection) at the end of the first day, you're done. And if you have to go past the first day, you're finished when you're either excused as part of jury selection, or you finish the trial you're actually a juror on.

Oh, and you call in every day for a week and you don't even have to come at all unless they need jurors one day during your week.

It's SO SO SO much better than the old days when you had to sit around the courthouse for days and days.

Aunty

Veteran

From what I remember when I worked for the CPS, the wood benches numbed you something terrible in the nether regions!!
Keep your outfit smart and comfortable, you will be fine.

Megan

I am so jealous! I would love to be called for jury duty. The system is quite different here in that prospective jurors are not allowed to be questioned about things like political affliation etc. Both sides are allowed a certain number of peremptory charges (where they can exclude a juror with no reason needed) which almost always ends up being based on appearance since they are not really allowed to question people.

You could always tell them Sarah, that your hobby is studying forensic psychology- you are almost guaranteed to be excused

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

It isn't federal court, which is why I'm so puzzled.
I really don't mind jury duty except I dont' want to commute this far more than one day if I don't have to.
I can always pull the I have a family member who is a corrections officer card. I feel bad because otherwise I really wouldn't mind doing this again.
Thanks for all the tips, I think a tote with stuff to do and eat is a great idea. I get bored so easily and I haven't progressed to the world of smart phones yet.