Kilt in courthouse

[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

[Oatmeal Savage]

What ever you do, do not do a Sharon Stone!

SW

[Riverkilt]

Been to court kilted...think it was a Utilikilts black workman's. Not a problem. Never mentioned. Not an issue.

Was Magistrate Court in our little town (6,800) and the judge knows me well as a kilted person.

Not sure how it'd be with a strange judge or a larger court.

Ron

[Rob Wright]

It would depend on the judge and the rules they have for their court, some would consider the kilt inappropriate if it caused an "undue" distraction. Best to heck before hand.

Rob

[mbhandy]

What ever you do, do not do a Sharon Stone!

SW

and please wear a shirt:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RyPnKwAtv...elated&search=


MrBill

[Tattoo Bradley]

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.


.

Sorry, small highjack.

I thought that my stretched ears and tattoos would group me as "eccentric" and have me passed over for jury duty several years ago. But, much to my dismay, they selected me! Fortunately it was only once during my "time" AND I distantly knew the guy on trial, from the days of High School. So, I really harped on that fact and the judge dismissed me. YAY!

Back to your regularly scheduled programming!

PS. I would no doubt wear my kilt to Jury Duty again.

[646guy]

I wore my kilts when I had grand jury duty. If anything we got more cases since the DAs wanted to see the guy in the kilt.

As an expert witness though...hmmm...well like others have said, some people may not take you seriously so best to tread carefully...

[Chef]

As much as would normally say wear your kilt proudly whenever you want, being an expert witness might be a good exception. As a witness you want to bring no attention to yourself other than your testimony. So unless you are called as an expert on highland dress, I would leave the kilt at home.

[Dirk Skene]

While I will were a kilt just about anytime and anywhere, for court in the U.S. I think it not proper. The reason is that it could cause a distraction. That is not what you want in that situation. I would pull out my cashmere suit & a silk tie. I also do not were a kilt to Mass for ths same reason.