I'm in court tomorrow.. What do I wear??

[calibrax]

ORD said:

Why bother with any kind of uniform? Why have any professionals wear suits? Why dress well for a date?

It's all social codes and we provide information by how we look.

Uniforms serve a purpose - identification. For example, being able to identify a policeman when you need one.

Suits have no purpose, they are just an outdated convention. Like ruffs. Modern progressive companies don't require employees to wear them.

[ORD]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Literally no idea what you're talking about now. Aside from the bizarre anti- middle class prejudice, there's no content in that post. I haven't said any of the things that you're railing against.

I have made clear at least twice that I don't think a jury takes into account dress when determining guilt. For what it's worth, I imagine it's a lot more random and worrying than that! Magistrates are old middle-class people so it's fairl easy to work out that they will be inclined to look well on someone who shows them some respect, which includes trying to look smart rather than rolling off the couch to attend court.

Unless you would turn up for an interview in a tracksuit, and you obviously wouldn't, we don't even disagree! It strikes me that you're using a supposed disagreement to vent.

Nowt wrong with that, but there's no point going on

[eldar]

Dr Jekyll said:

I am, doesn't seem to do me any harm.

Rather depends on how you define scruffy. Could be designer scruff or just tramp style including a swarm of flies.

[ORD]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Nope. I haven't said anything of the sort. I don't think I've even used the word 'suit'.

[ORD]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Who knows?! The best they can do. Most people have some reasonably smart clothes, don't they?

[ORD]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Not sure it is so class-laden as you would suggest. I've never seen anyone who didn't have 'smart' and 'scruffy' clothes. For example, I have seen people rock up at court in jeans and a t-shirt but obviously their smartest versions. I think you've misunderstood my use of 'smart' to mean something far more prescriptive. Everyone has clothes that, in their social circles, are considered smart. It doesn't take much sensitivity to work out that someone has made an effort.

[Eclassy]

Cmoose. I have been following your posts on this thread and you make a lot of sense.

I may be attending court shortly and have a hairstyle that I cant make up my mind whether to cut or keep. It is indeed very shameful that I even have to consider it because I worry that it may influence the judge's opinion of me.

I dont want to change for no one and I have considered wrapping a bandage round my head If I have to attend and claim an injury if asked.

[No Bend]

Eclassy said:

Cmoose. I have been following your posts on this thread and you make a lot of sense.

I may be attending court shortly and have a hairstyle that I cant make up my mind whether to cut or keep. It is indeed very shameful that I even have to consider it because I worry that it may influence the judge's opinion of me.

I dont want to change for no one and I have considered wrapping a bandage round my head If I have to attend and claim an injury if asked.

You wear clothes that are appropriate, not a good idea to wear your best Megadeath shirt. But hey if thats people think is their best shirt go for it. I have seen worse, they took their oath, got in the box, gave their evidence, answered questions and the court listened.

I think the idea is to show respect to the court, just make sure you and your clothes are clean. (Not addressing this to you eclassy, just to the topic) I have seen clowns turn up in filthy clothes and filthy attitude, that isn't received well. It's not necessarily about showing respect to the magistrate/judge, it's respect of 'the court' i.e. the institution of law of the land.

As far as you hair goes, thats your call. Any sort of hairstyle can just about be tamed for a day, whats your fear with your hair?

[Eclassy]

I've been to court for quite a few civil cases and always dress smart i.e shirt and trouser like I wear to work. No suits, no tie.

This is a case management hearing and I will be going with a friend and if I have to cut it to give him the best chance, so be it. He is already up a very powerful and corrupt organisation, I dont want to make it anymore difficult for him by reinforcing stereotypes.

My hair is all natural and well groomed. It is better looking than Boris Johnson's but having been infront of a few district judges before, there are some that are so dismissive based on the way you look and talk. There are also those that are very professional and treat you with respect and dignity regardless of what you look like.