Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: Dress Code for trial

Why don't you spend some time at the courthouse watching trials??

Re: Dress Code for trial

Mr. Stone gives some good advice, especially if your judge is in the middle of a trial. You would get a flavor for how the judge acts toward the parties.

Jury selection could run from 1/2 hour to 3 hours or more, depending on the issues involved, the type of questioning, etc. Most judges ask the basic identification questions and others which the parties believe appropriate for the court to ask.

As to witnesses, the court expects you to present your case without delay. It's always a tricky situation with witnesses. If it's a lengthy plaintiff's case, you might put your professional witnesses -- i.e. doctors, lawyers -- on standby, giving as much advance notice as possible to show up. It would make sense to have some witnesses in the courthouse to utilize the time while waiting for another witness to show up. Perhaps you can have a friend assist you with contacting and scheduling witnesses when the trial begins. Also, it's possible your trial might not begin on the date that is set, or in a different courtroom. You might ask the clerk a day or so before whether you realistically will start trial on the date set and whether you'll get sent out.

You should prepare a set of the jury instructions you want and give them to the trial judge and opposing counsel at the earliest opportunity. Again, you might ask the clerk what the appropriate procedure is in that courtroom.

It's respectful to wear a tie, jacket, and slacks if possible. A matching suit, however, is not necessary. I've seen some lawyers with wrinkled unmatched jacket and slacks, and that sends a message, as you could imagine.

Good luck!

Re: Dress Code for trial

You should definitely be dressed professionally. A suit is a must - this is respect for the court and for the judge. No one will think that you are well off, unless you are wearing a $5,000 suit.

Much more importantly, going to a jury trial in pro per is a big mistake, and it is almost certain that you will shoot yourself in the foot as there are so many stages of trial where professional knowledge and experience are indespensible.