PA Judge Bans PJs in Court

The fashion police in Catawissa Township apparently don't appreciate a nice pair of pajama bottoms like the rest of us. Or at least the judges in the Columbia County District Court don't. Magisterial District Judge Craig Long posted a sign in the lobby outside his courtroom, reading, "PAJAMAS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE ATTIRE FOR DISTRICT COURT."

Well excuse us, Mr. Justice of the Chic, we didn't expect to take fashion advice from someone who put on a robe to come to work today.

I'm Sorry, You're Out

Apparently proving that wearing pajama bottoms in public is not solely the domain of college freshmen, enough people were arriving for their court appearances still dressed in sleepwear for Judge Long to post the notice. "We have a growing problem of people not dressing appropriately for court," Long told Scranton's WNEP. "I just put it out there as a reminder of the code of conduct that should be followed when appearing in court."

Judge Long admits the sign is only a recommendation, "It's not a law ... It's not a rule or something we can enforce," but hopes it will have a positive impact on the sartorial choices of those appearing in his courtroom. A feeling he shares with York County District Court Judge Ronald J. Haskell Jr., who posted the same sign outside his court and also warned visitors, "Money from undergarments will not be accepted in this office."

Make It Work

You don't need Heidi Klum or Tim Gunn to tell you that you should probably dress for the verdict you want when you go to court. That means avoiding the obvious: flip-flops, hats, gym clothes or exercise gear, short skirts or low cut tops, exposed undergarments, and yes, pajama bottoms.

While a judge may not be able to punish you for wearing PJs to court, he or she may not give you the benefit of the doubt, either.

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Related Resources:

• Man Avoids Jury Duty by Wearing Prisoner Costume (FindLaw's Legally Weird)
• What California Courts Say About Lawyer Attire (FindLaw's California Case Law)
• What is Appropriate Dress for Court? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Your Conduct in Court Can Affect Your Case (FindLaw)