Dress Code In A Small Claims Court

[RoyNo1]

This is not exactly a legal question but “Law” seems like it’s probably the most appropriate place to post it.

I am due to attend a hearing in the small claims court this coming Friday. As far as I’m aware a small claims court is quite an informal setting and not like a higher court which would be a formal setting. So I am just wondering what sort of dress code is expected in a small claims court. I am sure that even with an informal setting, a smart standard of dress will be wise to show a good attitude and respect for being in a court, so it is more of whether smart casual dress is appropriate or wearing a full suit and tie would be best?

I’ll just say some brief details of my case, I am defending a claim brought against me, I caused some damage (water) to a flat directly below where I live. It damaged some of the property belonging to the girl who lived in the flat. In total it was over £3000 and she is suing me for negligence to pay for her property items, I am contesting the amount that she is suing me for. I have taken legal advice on this so I know where I stand.

I know there will be no lawyers in a small claims court, just me , the girl who is suing me and the judge. I don’t know her at all but I was told that she works in an administration office so will no doubt be used to dressing smartly so I’m assuming she will attend either smartly of perhaps formally dressed.

I don't want to treat this like it's a fashion contest, but I’m thinking it may be best to overdress to be on the safe side but I don’t want to look out of place, so does anyone have any experiences of being in a small claims court of just know what sort of dress standard is best?

[jourdain2]

Not been in one apart from seeing one in operation. Dress smartly, but not overdressed. A straightforward suit, shirt and tie will be fine. Overdressing will look like either anxiety and defensiveness or arrogance. Don't even think about the T-shirt & jeans alternative!

[Arksided]

I would dress smartly like I would a job interview but not over do it wearing a suit and tie etc...

[tamborine]

Shirt & tie. Why no insurance claims ?

[woofgang]

whatever your version of smart and tidy is.....these days not everyone owns a jacket and tie.

[RoyNo1]

Good point Woofgang, I do have a jacket and tie that I could wear!

[Barmaid]

Shirt and tie will be fine. It's not how you look it's how you present your case and test hers. And don't assume she won't instruct a lawyer last minute.

[RoyNo1]

Thank you for that information Barmaid. If she does instruct a lawyer last minute, would I be made aware of this or could a lawyer just arrive without me knowing?

[Barmaid]

One could just turn up.

[RoyNo1]

OK Barmaid, thanks for giving me the heads up on that.

[Barmaid]

I wouldn't worry. You need to concentrate on what evidence you have to support your case and how you present it and how you challenge hers.

[RoyNo1]

Thanks Barmaid, it is the amount she is suing me for that I'm contesting.

[Peter Pedant]

// Not been in one apart......../
yup but still the advice flows - undammed unchecked and wivvout thought

shirt and tie
gurlz - sensible dress - --_-one turned up in a second hand DJ and looked OK.

Barmaid has to look different becausw there are rules she has to follow but we dont

In the case before me - defendant turned up in painting overalls to show he was working for the award and erm his wife wasnt. Justice being what it was - I am not surprised. There was a note on the wall- please do not vacate appointments by fax it is impolite to the judges

In my case 1980- the judge turned to the instructed lawyer and said this is trespass isnt it ?
and I said no he says he has a right to enter
and the judge went kinda erk !
and the judge went like -but he will restitute ?
and I said no only if he agrees there is negligence
and the judge went kinda like Tom in Tom and Jerry
and the instructed lawyer tried to tell the judge what the law was on trespass but she wasnt taking it

and then what happened ?
this - later much later

http://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/8738920.Bridport__Solicitors_probed_after_Panorma_tv_programme/

was my case a sentinel case ?
good question - very good question
that is a little case in the past that signals big problems later on

as my sister in law said
but he gave my father advice for thirty years !

lGood Luck !

[Peter Pedant]

oh and I said
Milne and Lyall is not meant to mis-state the law in order to induce us to agree to a contract to enter which is to our disadvantage

( altho apparently this is OK if you instruct a lawyer- a lawyer can say I have this and I have that when he doesnt)

and the judge threw us out ....

[RoyNo1]

Thanks for the tip on wearing a shirt and tie tamborine, I appreciate you asking about why there isn't just an insurance claim. I don't want to go into detail but it was down to a mix up on my part with insurance, that is why she is now suing me personally.

[RoyNo1]

An interesting case Peter!

[Peter Pedant]

good luck
you will tell us what happens ?

[ladybirder]

// I do have a jacket and tie that I could wear! \\

Whatever you do Roy, please don't forget the trousers;-)

[RoyNo1]

Ah yes, thanks for reminding me about my trousers ladybirder, I'm sure the judge would be less than impressed if I turned up without that part of my attire!

[RoyNo1]

Yes, certainly Peter. The court hearing is this Friday so I will post again then to tell you the outcome.

[andy-hughes]

A suit / jacket and tie shows appropriate respect for the court, the judge, and the proceedings.

My one time in a SCC involved a case against a National Express Coach driver - myself and my solititor and the magistrate wore suits, the opposition's female solicitor wore a business suit, the driver wore jeans, a tee-shirt and a cardie.

It was clear that the magistrate felt disrespected - so start with a simple mood-enhancer by dressing with respect.