What to wear on the first day of jury duty?
Asked by: Mrs. Marquise Bartell | Last update: January 26, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (23 votes)
For jury duty, dress in business casual attire, aiming for neat, respectable clothing like slacks, blouses, collared shirts, or dresses, and avoid overly casual items such as shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or ripped jeans, dressing in layers for varying temperatures and keeping it comfortable for potential long waits.
Are jeans ok for jury duty?
You can often wear jeans to jury duty if they are dark, clean, and without holes, fitting into a "business casual" dress code, but it depends on the specific court; some federal or stricter courts prohibit them, so check your summons or the court's website for exact rules, and always avoid shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or anything too distracting to show respect for the court.
What are two things jurors should never do?
Jurors should never discuss the case with anyone outside the jury (including family/friends) or conduct their own investigation, like visiting the scene or looking up info online, as the verdict must be based solely on courtroom evidence; these actions risk introducing bias and jeopardizing the trial's fairness. Another critical "never" is to decide by chance, such as by flipping coins, which makes a verdict illegal.
What's the first day of jury duty like?
First, you go to the Jury Room and wait. They may or may not show you training videos, it depends on whether the jurisdiction does orientation online or on the first day. You'll wait in the jury room until called for a trial or dismissed because the trial(s) scheduled for selection that day settled.
What disqualifies you from jury duty in Idaho?
Idaho generally has no automatic exemptions for jury duty, but you can request an excuse or postponement for specific reasons like being 70+, having a severe medical issue (with a doctor's note), being a primary caregiver, nursing a baby, active military duty, or facing extreme hardship, though courts prefer postponement to a specific date. You must contact the jury commissioner with documentation for most requests, and prior felony convictions can disqualify you if you're still on probation/parole.
MY JURY SERVICE EXPERIENCE & WHAT TO EXPECT | JURY DUTY UK | ALINA GHOST
What to wear to jury duty in Idaho?
Dress Code
We recommend that you not wear t-shirts, tank-tops, halter tops, shorts or hats while on jury duty.
What if you have to pee during jury duty?
If you need to pee during jury duty, raise your hand and ask the judge for permission for a break, or quietly ask a court officer, as judges provide regular breaks and will stop proceedings for an emergency restroom need. Don't hesitate to ask, as your primary job is to pay attention, and needing to use the restroom can be distracting.
Why is jury duty so exhausting?
It is possible you were asked to hear graphic testimony or review graphic evidence or images, and people react differently to being exposed to such materials. Additionally, to be affected by crime and violence can be very unsettling, even when the crime is not directed against you personally.
What not to say during jury duty?
At jury duty, avoid saying anything that shows bias, prejudges the case, disrespects the court, or reveals outside information; don't make sarcastic comments, overshare personal experiences, or claim you're too busy, but be honest about true hardships, as saying you'll be biased or have prior knowledge (like being a doctor in a medical case) can actually get you excused.
What color do judges like to see in court?
Judges generally prefer neutral, conservative colors like navy, gray, black, and white, as these convey seriousness, respect, and professionalism, avoiding distractions in a formal court setting; bright colors, bold patterns, and overly casual attire should be avoided to show you're taking the proceedings seriously. While some suggest lighter, muted tones (like light blue) might leave a favorable impression, the key is sobriety and fitting in, not standing out.
What annoys judges?
Not following the judges rules and orders. Not being prepared for trial or hearing. Being late for trial or hearings. All of these shows a lack of respect for the court and judges really don't like it.
What clothes are not allowed in court?
To avoid being denied entry or creating a poor impression in court, don't wear casual items like shorts, flip-flops, ripped jeans, tank tops, or athletic wear, revealing clothing such as crop tops or short skirts, or anything with distracting graphics, slogans, or excessive, noisy jewelry; also, remove hats and sunglasses and maintain good hygiene. The goal is to dress conservatively and respectfully, similar to business casual, to show seriousness and avoid distractions.
How do I prepare for jury duty?
Appearing for Jury Duty
Now is not the time to strike up conversations on political topics or try to educate people about jury nullification. The best policy is to appear normal and keep quiet about your beliefs. To blend into the jury pool: Wear an outfit that is clean and neat, but not overly formal.
What shoes are OK for jury duty?
Flip flops, sneakers, and overly casual shoes don't belong in a courtroom. Go for more formal footwear like dress shoes that complement your outfit and the setting. Regarding shorts and skirts, anything too short can be seen as disrespectful.
What if I cry during jury duty?
Crying alone may not be juror misconduct. But there are circumstances where a juror's emotions may result in an unfair trial.
Why do people hate going to jury duty?
People dislike jury duty due to its disruption of daily life, low pay, time commitment, and potential for emotional stress, conflicting with work, family, and personal schedules, despite it being a civic responsibility. Common complaints include financial hardship (especially for hourly workers), the inconvenience of long trials, tedious waits, and fear of difficult or emotionally draining cases, leading many to view it as a burden rather than a privilege.
Can I bring water into jury duty?
Should I bring food or drink when I report for jury duty? You are welcome to bring a non-alcoholic beverage such as water, coffee, or soda. Please use a cup/bottle with a lid/cap. Meals are not provided (except during jury deliberations) but there will be a lunch break.
What if I fall asleep during jury duty?
If you fall asleep during jury duty, the judge can have you woken up, repeated information, or even dismiss you and replace you with an alternate juror, potentially leading to a mistrial or new trial if you missed crucial evidence, though a short nap might just result in being gently roused, while repeated offenses or missing significant testimony can lead to being removed or even facing contempt of court.
What are you not allowed to do as a juror?
Key Concepts. Jurors are prohibited from any conduct that would interfere with ensuring a fair and impartial trial, such as having contact with the parties, talking with other people about the case, or allowing outside information or evidence to influence the jury's decision.
Are jeans too casual for court?
Many courts have specific dress codes that require conservative attire to maintain decorum and respect for the judicial process. No low necklines, shorts, stiletto heels, tight jeans (actually, avoid jeans altogether), or sleeveless shirts.
What not to say to a judge in court?
You should not say anything sarcastic, interrupt the judge, lie, use slang, make personal attacks on others, guarantee outcomes, or speak about things not relevant to the case; instead, remain respectful, address the judge as "Your Honor," answer only the question asked, and be direct and truthful to maintain credibility.
What colors are best to wear for jury duty?
The suit color you wear should be neutral like the navy suit that's pictured, but feel free to wear a grey or charcoal suit. We hope our guide was helpful and helps you select the right outfit for your jury duty.