Proper Dress For All Persons Entering the Courtroom
Note: This is not an all encompassing list of rules for what is appropriate to wear in a court of law. Common sense should prevail, but if it does not and you have a question regarding what is appropriate, please call the Court Administrator (985) 868-4232 x 201. The City Marshal’s Office has the authority to refuse entrance of any person into the courtroom who is deemed inappropriately dressed. If you are smart, you will not argue with the Deputy Marshal. That approach will not get you into the courtroom. The best action for you to take is to go home and change into attire more appropriate for court.
Attorneys, as officer of the court, shall help to maintain the dignity of the court.
Male attorneys and clerks of court shall wear coats and ties in the courtroom.
Female attorneys and clerks of court shall wear a comparable level of attire.
Shirts, blouses, and dresses should have sleeves.
All females must wear shirt/blouses that extend below the hip.
Shirts that expose the breast, midriff area, or backside are not allowed.
Males must wear shirts that fit properly and are tucked in pants. No oversized shirts will be allowed.
No athletic wear, gym clothes, beach wear, or sleep wear.
No cutoff shorts or pants that are torn and have holes in them.
No muscle shirts or tank tops.
No shirts with obscene language, political opinions, or obscene pictures or graphics.
Males must wear pants that fit at the waist. No sagging, baggy, or oversized pants.
Belts must be worn to secure pants at the waist (located above the hip bones).
Shoes must be worn. No “flip flops” or house slippers.
Dresses or skirts must be no more than 2” above the knee.
Persons wearing extremely tight-fitting attire will not enter the courtroom.
Persons wearing see-through clothing shall not enter the courtroom.
No hats should be worn in the courtroom.
No sunglasses will be worn in the courtroom except for a medical necessity.
School uniforms, including shorts, are appropriate attire for juveniles on school days.
SHORTS ARE NOT DEEMED APPROPRIATE UNLESS YOU ARE A STUDENT IN A SCHOOL UNIFORM.
Modest dress is required of all persons entering the courtroom. A modestly dressed person does not expose any part of the breast, midriff, backside, or undergarments.
People can appear in their work clothes or attire dictated by their religion so long as such complies with the above rules.
All nose, lip, or facial jewelry must be removed before entering the court. Earrings are permissible.
Women are allowed to wear scarves on their heads in the courtroom.
Any person who chooses not to follow the above mentioned court guidelines for proper attire will not be allowed in the courtroom.
No phones, beepers, iPods, and any other electronic devices are allowed in the courtroom.
