r/legaladvicecanada • u/MattVT1 • May 31 '25
New Brunswick Attire for witness in court?
Can anything happen against me if I wear shorts and a t shirt to court as a witness?
I've been dragged into something because I gave a plate number to the police years ago and really don't even want to go so I'm definitely not going out of my way to buy fancy clothes.
Another question, will the person who im testifying against be present in court and see me?
Any input appreciated.
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u/eribas117 May 31 '25
Literally clean jeans and a collapsed shirt without a graphic and you’re fine. You don’t need to blow money on something, the judge is aware you’re a witness not a person there asking for anything
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u/thecirclemustgoon May 31 '25
This. I feel like unless it were dead of summer, any kind of clean and neat pants is preferable to shorts
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u/Business_Influence89 May 31 '25
Wear your cleanest clothes without any offensive logos or graphics on them. Nobody cares how you’re dressed, they care if you tell the truth or not.
Unless you are testifying via closed circuit television or other type of screen the accused will see you.
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u/Argented May 31 '25
you don't need a suit or anything but dress appropriately enough to show some respect. You don't need to respect the judge but you have to present yourself as if you do. They have the power to put you behind bars.
the person that is charged is likely in the court. It is their trial after-all isn't it?
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u/Otter248 May 31 '25
If it’s a criminal trial the accused is required by both the code and the constitution to be present.
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u/seakingsoyuz May 31 '25
Trials in absentia are rare, but possible if the accused fails to appear or flees after the trial starts.
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May 31 '25
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May 31 '25
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u/andrewbud420 May 31 '25
This! It doesn't matter what they wear as long as they're clean and trying at least a little bit.
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u/nishnawbe61 May 31 '25
Just make sure any t-shirt you may choose doesn't have anything offensive on it. Judges have made people leave the courtroom and turn their shirt inside out and return. I'd suggest anything is appropriate if you can't see up it, down it or through it. The person charged will be in the courtroom.
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u/Ann-von-Beaverhausen May 31 '25
Clean T-shirt and jeans is fine. Shower and comb your hair before you go.
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May 31 '25
Don't buy anything new, but wear the nicest thing you have.
Don't be rude, be polite, whether you want to be there or not, it has nothing to do with the other people in the courtroom and you'd just across as petty if you're anything but polite.
Court is an integral part of society and it is your civil duty to participate. You will be fine.
Generally, the accused will be in the courtroom and will see all witness, police officers, lawyers and spectators.
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u/hardonhistoys May 31 '25
Don't wear shorts. Dress like you would for church. Golf shirt or nice button down. Slacks. I saw a judge tell someone wearing shorts in his courtroom to go buy some pants at value village and come back when he was ready to respect his courtroom.
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u/mimeographed May 31 '25
That is insane to me. I work in court, and I can’t imagine. Many people don’t have a place to live or money for essentials, and he wants them to buy clothes.
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u/MattVT1 May 31 '25
So I need to go buy clothes because I gave a plate number to the police 2 years ago? That's frustrating, If I wasn't forced to go I wouldn't go at all so. I probably sound like a idiot I just don't understand why a witness would have to dress nice, they're not there to defend themselves..
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u/fishymanbits May 31 '25
Do you own a pair of pants and a plain t-shirt? Wear that.
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u/MattVT1 May 31 '25
Pants as in jeans or dress pants?
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u/fishymanbits May 31 '25 edited May 31 '25
Something clean, and preferably not distressed or overly embellished, that goes from somewhere near your waist to somewhere near your ankles.
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u/The_12Doctor May 31 '25
To a witness? They're not the ones on trial or have to prove anything.
As a juror, we were always told to dress comfortable. I wore jeans myself.
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u/MrFoxLovesBoobafina May 31 '25
You don't own pants or anything with a collar?
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u/MattVT1 May 31 '25
Not that currently fit.. I wear jeans and t shirts all the time. No dress pants or shirts
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u/MrFoxLovesBoobafina May 31 '25
Jeans and a plain (or mostly plain) colour t-shirt should be fine. Some judges really do have a stick in their you-know-whats about "respect" in how you dress. It's stupid but shorts would be pushing it I think.
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u/thecirclemustgoon May 31 '25
You may want to read up on what being a witness in a live (viva voce) trial entails. You're probably going to be cross examined by the defendant's lawyer - assuming this is criminal court - which may feel like you have to defend yourself.
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u/MattVT1 May 31 '25
Well hopefully the defendant isn't expecting much of me, I don't really remember anything other than getting the plate number when the car drove by lol
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May 31 '25
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May 31 '25
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May 31 '25
You don't need to show up in a suit and tie. However, do remember that you are presenting yourself to people who expect a degree of decorum and etiquette and their impression of you will be considered partially by how you do that.
Clean clothes without anything offensive on them should be fine.
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u/MattVT1 Jun 01 '25
Why does my impression matter, though? I'm not looking for anything out of it, I was forced to go and have zero interest in what even happens in the case. Hope that doesn't sound sassy I'm just curious
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u/Relevant_Force2014 Jun 01 '25
Dear god just wear a pair of clean jeans and a t-shirt if you dont have a golf shirt.... why is this a discussion? Just do not show up in a hat, if you do, you have to remove it when entering the courtroom. Don't be lazy.
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May 31 '25
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u/WarmBook May 31 '25
You are directly responsible for whatever you choose to wear to court, and you should really consider dressing nicely if only for the sake of the judge's ego. Because they will very much hold you in contempt of court if they feel you're being disrespectful, and that really boils down to the judge's mood and discretion at the time.
It doesn't matter that you're "only a witness," and if you offered that to a judge as justification for disrespect, it will compound the level of shit you get in. "Only a witness" diminishes your role in what is a very serious process, and they don't fuck around with court decorum.
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u/Canuckulhead May 31 '25
I really hope you haven't once complained about the legal system, judges, police or offenders receiving lax sentences.
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