Kilt in courthouse

[parpin]

Hello everybody,

Should be a good idea to go kilted at the courhouse to testify as a eyewithness ,expert withness or watching a trial?

The dress code at the courthouse specifies that you have to be properly dressed.

Does anybody on the list have some experience about it.

[chasem]

I'm pretty sure there's a member here go works in a courthouse and wears a kilt often.

[RCallan]

Not sure I would do that.
The last thing you want to do in court is bring more attention to yourself.
Judges don't like anything that takes away from the matter at hand.

Be on the safe side and put on the dark suit with a dress shirt and tie. Polish your shoes too.

[Andrew Breecher]

I would say: of course! Kilts are "proper dress".

However, also keep in mind that most people aren't used to seeing kilts. They will see you, and immediately they will draw a conclusion about you. Perhaps it will be good, perhaps it will be bad. Remember that court is about the presentation of facts with as little outside influence as possible. Use your own judgement.

Andrew.

[Bob C]

My job takes me to a courthouse most Mondays. I've never worn the kilt.

If you're testifying as an expert, I'd say you owe it to your client to put forth the most professional appearance you can. Unfortunately, the kilt does not do that.

If you're a spectator or an uninterested witness, go right ahead.

Most courthouses have metal detectors and security screening. Leave the sgian dubh in the car and be prepared for the possibility that they will not allow your kilt pin (if it's the pointy kind) in, either.

[cessna152towser]

I work part time as the legally qualified assessor in a Scottish District Court where I usually wear an all black heavyweight kilt with a black tie and black Argyle jacket, along with my court robe. Bear in mind that while you are in the witness box your kilt won't be visible and it will only be seen briefly by the judge when you first walk into the court room - so the top half of your attire is of greater importance. I'd say no problem with wearing a kilt in court so long as you feel comfortable and confident in it.

[switchblade5984]

kep us posted!

[bubba]

If I were called into the court for any reason they'd have no choice but to accept the kilt. The only pants I have left are grease and paint stained work pants.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Several years ago, I contemplated wearing a kilt to jury selection. My thinking was that I would be seen as an eccentric and be subsequently passed over - I did not want to have to take the time off work. At the last minute I "chickened". As it turned out, I was not chosen anyway. If it happens in future, I would certainly consider the option once more.


.

[morrison]

Hello everybody, ... ... ...The dress code at the courthouse specifies that you have to be properly dressed. ... ...

The Kilt is proper attire. The brightness and/or colors woven into the kilt may be more or less attractive to observers whose powers of concentration another could never influence. Wear the kilt. Remember, it's your testimony under oath. It's not the kilt under misgiven eyes.

... ...My job takes me to a courthouse most Mondays. I've never worn the kilt.
If you're testifying as an expert, I'd say you owe it to your client to put forth the most professional appearance you can. Unfortunately, the kilt does not do that.

I believe that an appearance that would put forth both a professional attitude and aptitude is most certainly present in Kilt and Jacket. Overdressed, one could be garish. Wear colors that don't precede your arrival. Also, has the client ever seen you in your courtroom attire or in a kilt at all? I think, in deference to your client, the fewer the surprises, the better. Be confident in yourself regardless of your clothing. If you have the least discomfort (and everyone will see it pouring out) wearing your clothing in the courtroom, then by all means dress strictly for the courtroom stereotype, which could be a complete backfire against your will and give you cause for self doubt.
I recall seeing a famed attorney whom would wear his fringed suede leather coat to argue cases in court. Was he professional, garish or proper? In some occasions on the United States Senate and House of Representatives floors, are Senators and Representatives or guests that wear the same sort of clothing that you would see on them if you met them in the grocery store or in their own driveway in our hometown. Are they more or less professional, proper or garish.
Parpin, you are the judge, jury and executioner in your own case. As a free man, I stand beside your choice as a free man, brother.
rsl