DRESS CODE FOR COURT APPEARANCE

IN SHELBY COUNTY PROBATE COURT

Appropriate attire is mandatory for any appearance in court, whether as a participant in a case, a witness, or an observer. Appropriate attire not only helps maintain decorum but shows respect for our laws and courts.

As a general rule, think of the courtroom as a formal environment. Dress as you would when going for an important job interview. You will be barred from the courtroom if you violate the court dress code. Regardless of how you personally feel about the dress code, please obey the rules.

Suggested Guidelines

•Men: Wear shoes with socks; long pants (on pants with belt loops, wear a belt); shirt (tucked in) with or without a jacket.

•Women: Wear shoes; a dress, skirt, or long pants; a blouse, sweater, or casual dress shirt. (If your top is sleeveless, wear a jacket or sweater.)

o You will NOT be allowed to enter the courtroom wearing the following inappropriate clothing (this may result in continuing your case):

o Shorts (anything pant above the ankle)

o Short skirts or dresses (anything more than 3 inches above the knee)

o Hats, baseball caps, curlers/rollers, bonnets

o Halter, tube top, spaghetti straps, or low-cut top

o T-shirt or muscle shirt

o See-through clothing

o Flip flops or other noisy footwear

o Clothing that exposes your midriff or underwear

o Ripped or torn jeans

o Baggy pants that fall below your waist

o Clothing with an emblem, picture, or wording that promotes illegal or inappropriate activity

o Clothing that depicts or promotes violence, sex acts, illegal drug use, or profanity

o Pajamas