Should I Wear A Suit To Court

I think you should grow a beard and wear some furry underpants and tell them you're a viking.

 

That sounds good, but he needs a Ralph Wiggum impression to bring it home.

 

Guilty.

 

It depends on the impression you are trying to make.

Do you want to look competent and professional (like you didn't screw up)?

or

Do you want to look like a sympathetic everyman getting screwed by the fatcats?

I assume you are going before a judge with no jury? And that you are fairly young and this case is about less than $2500? You'd probably be fine with a pressed dress shirt and dress pants. Just don't show up in jeans or a tee shirt, all the judge will care about is showing proper respect for his court.

 

Ask fatty for suggestions.

 

No need for a suit. You want to make a first impression, but you also don't want to look fake. It seems from your few posts about this that you aren't used to a suit, but that you are willing to wear something casual, yet professional-looking. If you're not used to a suit, and you're trying to fake being professional, the main peeps will notice it right away (after all, they're JUDGEs ). Wear something comfortable, yet professional. A polo (please, no popped collar), or a buttoned shirt with long sleeves should be professional-looking enough to say you're serious about this. Wear some neutral-toned slacks so they don't attract the attention from your testimony if you need to be up on the stand.

Again, practice saying stuff but don't OVERpractice saying the truth. After all, if you really want to convince someone, you can act as much as possible but you can't over do it. Don't Robin Williams it, either.

Don't need to wear a suit. Something nice is a-o-k.

 

I'll have to disagree with Swoly.

Judges here in TX are very conservative, and they may find it to be a sign of disrespect if you're not wearing a suit. You don't need anything expensive, just something to show that you're making an effort. You should be able to go to Suit Mart to get something decent without breaking the bank. Make sure to get a black or dark blue suit (not a sports jacket without matching pants), pinstripes are ok if it is not distracting and preferably a white shirt underneath.

 

I agree with this, and it never hurts to have a dark suit for weddings and funerals. Just one that looks decent and fits. Heck, you might be able to find one at clothing resale shops. There are some "high end" ones in Austin, at least high end compared to Goodwill or Salvation Army. Just food for thought.

 

Get a suit from SYMS. They have good stuff for cheap. Tell your salesman what you need it for. Going to court is a big deal no matter what it's for. And don't forget the Sirs and Ma'ams.

Also remember to wear your slacks properly. You wear them high, just below your belly button.

 

I agree; SYMS would be a good place. I forgot to add... a 2-button suit is preferable, 3-button suit is ok, but DO NOT get a double-breasted suit. I probably don't need to add this, but I'll add it anyway; black socks, black shoes and black belt when wearing a black or dark blue suit.

 

you don't need a suit for this. nice business casual will be fine.

 

I once went to court in sweatpants and a white t-shirt when i was 18 or 19. It was for a speeding ticket though so no big deal. At least I didn't think It was.

 

What are you going to do if the tag falls out of your sleeve? Cheap.

 

Show up with a speedo, a slinky and a boombox. Wear 2 of of those items. Carry the other over your shoulder.