Courtroom etiquette refers to how to dress and behave while in the courthouse whether you are a participant, a witness, a juror, or a spectator.
Along with the
etiquette information provided by the Oregon Judicial Department please remember the following:
Case Participants should wear clothing that is clean. Clothing should not display foul language, insults, or other negative words.
Uniform Trial Court Rule 3.010:
- All persons attending the court must be dressed so as not to detract from the dignity of court. Members of the public not dressed in accordance with this rule may be removed from the courtroom.
- When appearing in court, all attorneys and court officials must wear appropriate attire.
How to Act in Court
The courthouse is a public place of respect and safety. Respect the judge, court staff, and everyone else in the courtroom, including jurors, witnesses and the public. Specific rules can be found in
Uniform Trial Court Rule Chapter 3.
What NOT to Wear or Bring to Court:
- Weapons-not allowed in the courthouse or court facilities.
- Caps and hats-must be removed upon entering the courtroom.
- Bare feet-shoes are required.
- Sunglasses.
- Revealing or abbreviated clothing such as shorts, tank, or cropped tops.
- Strong perfume or cologne
- Food and drinks
- Non-Service animals
Jurors
Please dress comfortably (suits and ties or dresses are not required), but also have respect for the important role you have as a juror. As a juror you are the judge of the facts. You won’t be wearing a black robe, but you should dress like you are doing serious business. The building temperatures can change quite a bit from one room to another. You will be more comfortable if you dress in layers so that you can put on or take off a sweater or jacket as you go through the day.
Jurors often spend many hours together in close quarters. Jurors should be respectful of their fellow jurors by reporting for service in clean clothes and without strong perfume or cologne.