Judging Karren

[Karren H]

I love that show.......Judging Amy.... But this post isn't about that!

I got a letter in the mail.....jury duty!! End of the month!! And of coarse the first thought I had was......wonder if the Court House has a unisex restroom? Hehehe.

But I also wondered how many other girls have been called to serve on a jury and did you crossdress or partially crossdress while in court?

And I know its my duty and an honor to serve but wonder also if anyones been excused from jury duty because of crossdressing?

Or is crossdressing in the Court Room considered contempt of court??

It did say wear appropriate attire!! Skirt and blouse, low heels sound appropriate? Hehehe. What do you think?

Love Karren

[Jodie_Lynn]

hmmmmm was it during the Michael Jackson trial that a female juror showed up in a star trek uniform?

As long as your attire is appropriate, and you are in character, I don't THINK there would be a problem....

But remember: each judge is different, and may take offense, despite the fact that he or she is wearing a black dress..........

[Lindsay Marie]

If you're too worried about just find a bias reason why you can't do it. I use the excuse of being a Firefighter/EMT because it seems when I get mine in the mail it's usually about the time someone is coming up on arson charges or a nice assault and battery case, and therefore I can't fairly judge that person.n Works every time

[Daizy Chains]

It depends on who was called to serve?

[susandrea]

hmmmmm was it during the Michael Jackson trial that a female juror showed up in a star trek uniform?

As long as your attire is appropriate, and you are in character, I don't THINK there would be a problem....

But remember: each judge is different, and may take offense, despite the fact that he or she is wearing a black dress..........


I'm pretty sure that was during a case for Hilary Clinton/Whitewater Scandal. The thing is, that woman wore her Trek stuff all the time. She worked at the Post Office and had everyone call her 'Commander' so-and-so. So she didn't do it just to get out of a brutally long and boring trial (and therefore wasn't charged with contempt, I believe-- not sure).

Anyway, Karren, I bet if you proved that you dressed often in your private life and it was a part of your regular self (as it is!) then they couldn't say you were in contempt. In any case, you could always call ahead and check. And ask to speak to someone higher up than the dest clerk.

Good luck! Hey, maybe it'll be a Transgender Rights case!:thumbsup:

EDIT:

Here's the Trekkie story. I was a bit off an a few things, but it is interesting. They actually let her go not because of the outfit, but:

http://www.cnn.com/US/fringe/9603/03-14/trek.html

[tekla west]

You are kidding right?

[Karren H]

If you're too worried about just find a bias reason why you can't do it. I use the excuse of being a Firefighter/EMT because it seems when I get mine in the mail it's usually about the time someone is coming up on arson charges or a nice assault and battery case, and therefore I can't fairly judge that person.n Works every time

Actually I'm looking forward to serving!! And if I schedule my time correctly I may be able to append an enfemme outting to one or more of the days I'm schedules to be there!!

Love Karren

[linnea]

"Appropriate attire" does not necessarily mean "gender specific attire," though some might interpret the phrase that way. However, that interpretation would lead to questions regarding pants on women, etc. My lay-person's guess is that your wearing a skirt and top and "sensible" shoes would not be inappropriate as long as you aren't attempting to deceive anyone by doing so (i.e., you aren't trying to conceal your legal identity).
I can see all kinds of interesting issues arising from this, but it might be more trouble than it is worth.
I did some searching on the internet (Google, etc.) to see if I could find a case or some criteria for jury selection/participation that related to a crossdresser on the jury, but I came up with nothing. With more searching, I might dredge something up.
Though I know you only through this site, my guess would be that you have the moxie to do it. However, you would be placing yourself in a potentially compromising position, maybe more so than you would want to be.
If I were in your situation, I think that I would go in drab.

[Phoebe Reece]

Karren, whatever you do, I think it would not be wise to do any lunchbreak quick changes in the restroom at the court house.

[Karren H]

Karren, whatever you do, I think it would not be wise to do any lunchbreak quick changes in the restroom at the court house.

Guess that depends if there's a unisex restroom!! :) I may need to check this out before hand!! Plan the work and work the plan!! In any case I will appear to be in drab to anyone else in the jury pool.....but that doesn't mean that I have to stay that way if we are dismissed early!!

Karren

[Joy Carter]

Uh Karren it will be up to the judge what HE determines appropriate. If he took offense and feels you would be distraction then he could deal with you in a way you might not like. Like have a policeman escort you home to change.:eek: I know so many judges hate it when someone gives a weak excuse to not serve. I know that is not your aim but please don't push it.:o

[Kimkandy]

Or is crossdressing in the Court Room considered contempt of court??

Don't know, but in England the Judges wear wigs and gowns... so it should be to wear a wig and a dress :devil:

Kim

:dom: take that you nasty criminal

[Country girl]

Karren, you definately have the moxie to show up enfemme, :cheeky: but having served more than once I'm willing to bet that if you did they would dismiss you as a potential juror just because of their discriminations.:OMG: Too many people don't [or aren't willing to] understand the whole crossdressing persona. Instead of viewing it as harmless, which it is, the general public see the CDing society as a bunch of freaks. :rolleyes: It is so sad that more people aren't educated AND accepting.:lame: We could all have so much more fun if society would just relax a little. :heehee: But I think for now,if you are really interested in serving, you will have to go in drab.:( What ever you decide, have fun with it, as I know you will!:D

:hugs:

[Tina Dixon]

Hey I just want to see some bathroom shots, I dare you, heck I even double dare you:heehee:

[Country girl]

Hey I just want to see some bathroom shots, I dare you, heck I even double dare you:heehee:


Hey Tina, I thought about daring Karren, but knowing her, she'd take that dare!:tongueout

[great gg]

Hey I just want to see some bathroom shots, I dare you, heck I even double dare you:heehee:

you are a :devil: can't you just see Karen doing it? Nahh, it would take too long to decide which wig to wear! is there a jury wig in the house?:heehee:

[Julogden]

I love that show.......Judging Amy.... But this post isn't about that!

I got a letter in the mail.....jury duty!! End of the month!! And of coarse the first thought I had was......wonder if the Court House has a unisex restroom? Hehehe.

But I also wondered how many other girls have been called to serve on a jury and did you crossdress or partially crossdress while in court?

And I know its my duty and an honor to serve but wonder also if anyones been excused from jury duty because of crossdressing?

Or is crossdressing in the Court Room considered contempt of court??

It did say wear appropriate attire!! Skirt and blouse, low heels sound appropriate? Hehehe. What do you think?

Love Karren
Hi Karren,

I had to go to court in downtown Chicago a week ago for jury duty, male mode, didn't get picked. The lawyers for both sides ask a bunch of questions and then pick the people that they want, so it would depend on the lawyers being open-minded I guess.

We have laws at the city, county and state levels here prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity, but proving that you weren't picked due to being TG would probably be hard to prove.

Carol:hugs:

[DeeInGeorgia]

At the beginning of the year, I was called for Jury duty. All I did was underdress, but I did observe from the point of view about passing on what I could learn. I wrote up a short article in my local Tri-Ess group newsletter.

Basically, for the county I lived in, the first day of Jury duty, the Jury room was crowded, with small restrooms. The first day, at the first break, there was a very long line waiting to get into the women's restroom.

You also will be outed. You will be identified at all times by your legal name, regardless of how you are dressed or are presenting. You will be answering questions presented to you by both attorneys as well as the judge.

A lawyer later told me that there is no problem reporting for Jury Duty enfemme, that you cannot be cited you for contempt of court.

But I am not a lawyer, so get your own information.

One other thing, The first few times, participating in the Jury process is enjoyable. But if you get on a criminal trial, you will really learn about diversity, as a person's life is in the hands of the jury, you, and you will get to learn about fellow jurors beliefs and predjudices and more.

Dee

[joanlynn28]

Humm, this is a topic that I have been thinking about myself. If I get called to jury duty who is going to show up John or Joan. I think I already know the answer, since my driver' license has Joan Lynn on it Joan will be the one to report to jury duty. No matter what name is one my voter registration form. But I have been tempted to register as Joan despite not having my name legally changed yet. I know that it is perjury but even the County Registrar of Voters admits that they don't check to validate voter registration and no one is his memory has ever been prosecuted for intentionally registering when they are not elligible to vote.:heehee:

[GG Vanya]

I was called for jury duty a few weeks ago. I shared the story with a few here. It was a horrific ordeal. The case was a double homicide which carried the possibility of the dealth penalty and the jury would be sequestered. After 4 grueling days I was excused thank God!

I *never* want to be summoned again! The accused is treated better than the prospective jurors.

I followed the case with interest however and he was found guilty and given life instead of death.

[trannie T]

I've always been well behaved in courtrooms. The judge is in total command and may regard a man in a dress as being contemptous of his court and authority. If he decides you are in contempt you could be taken to jail and put in a cell with a big horny guy named 'Bubba.'

[SherriePall]

Karren -- I served on a federal jury before 911 and security was tight even then. So, keep in mind they'll search bags, etc. And that underwire may set off the detector.

[Kate Simmons]

Don't "push the envelope" on this one Karr or challenge the system. Just bow out and let MR. Engineer do his civic duty. I'm just being pragmatic here.:happy: Ericka/Rich

[Karren H]

Karren -- I served on a federal jury before 911 and security was tight even then. So, keep in mind they'll search bags, etc. And that underwire may set off the detector.

Good point Sherrie....I guess my travel tote with a couple breast forms in it my look too much like plactic explosives to the local yocals? Hehe. "Hit the dirt......she's got a bomb.......I'm mean a boob!!


Don't "push the envelope" on this one Karr or challenge the system. Just bow out and let MR. Engineer do his civic duty. I'm just being pragmatic here.:happy: Ericka/Rich

Mr Engineer is sooo boreing!! But if I'm allowed to bring my Blackberry at least I can post here!! And there's a Goodwill store just down the block so at lunch I can do some shopping! And I'm getting paid like $7 a day!!

The stint is only a week long unless your selected for a trial.. So I get to sit there with 200 of my fellow citizens and wait!!! Waiting is more fun iin a dress than slacks anyday!!! But I guess I'll behave........this time!!

:D

Love Karren

[JeanneF]

I had jury duty last month. I went in guy mode, but I don't see any problem with going in girl mode. Your normal style would be appropriate for jury duty, imo. You're passable enough that it probably won't raise any ire, and if they comment, say you're TS. :)

But, like others said, you will be referred to by your legal name, regardless of how you're dressed.

[Sandygal]

I double dog dare you!!!

[Karren H]

I double dog dare you!!!

I don't do things base on dares, Sandy!! But I have been know to wager when lingerie is involved!! Hehehe

Love Karren

[Butterfly Bill]

I asked a woman lawyer in my church about the summons to jury duty that I got and that it had said on it, "please dress appropriately." She broke out into laughter and said "Well, one sure way to get out of jury duty would be to show up in a dress." She pointed out that one of the lawyers during the voir dire would probably reject me, as they can do it for any reason they want.
I really wanted to experience it if I could, so I went in drab, and they had twelve people before they got down the list as far as me,

[Karren H]

I figure the same thing will happen to me, Bill! I'm like juror #125 so unless there's a hugh crime wave next week I'll probably get dismissed too...

Karren

[Maggie Kay]

Here in California I get called up every two years. They have a computerized system now that you check on the web site to see if you need to show. Most of the time now, I don't. Even if I do have to show up in person, most cases get settled out of court. Only one time I got so far as to sit in the jury box and as soon as the defendant saw us, he gave in. Just went though one of these nail biters last spring. Now, I would tone my clothes to be a drab as possible and go with a soft cup bra but me is me....

BTW, that Star Trek juror is part of the movie "Trekkies" available on DVD. It shows her, yes, her at the copy center where she works, in costume. There are some very interesting real life characters in this movie which made me feel downright mainstream in comparison. Good rental.

[JoAnnDallas]

Last time I got a jury summons, I ended up on a malpractice case. It ended up in favor of the doctor. Fisrt thing we did was take a vote, vote was 11 for doctor 1 for the patient. We then spent about an hour letting each person say why they voted the way we did. Then told the judge we were done. The augurment that the patient had was extremly weak. We all wondered why she sued in the first place.

The lawyers in WV, must be better than some other places. We had two gay's on the jury. It came out durning jury selection and did not seem to phase the lawyers at all.

[Karren H]

Last time I got a jury summons, I ended up on a malpractice case. It ended up in favor of the doctor. Fisrt thing we did was take a vote, vote was 11 for doctor 1 for the patient. We then spent about an hour letting each person say why they voted the way we did. Then told the judge we were done. The augurment that the patient had was extremly weak. We all wondered why she sued in the first place.

The lawyers in WV, must be better than some other places. We had two gay's on the jury. It came out durning jury selection and did not seem to phase the lawyers at all.

That's because in WV they are all related!!! My Wife is also my sister!!! hehehe


Love Karren

[Glenda58]

Had jury duty in April spend the whole day there. They kept pick people all but not about fifty of us. They were keeping some for one judge and his case. Everybody served and left we just sat are. At 3:00 PM they let us go because they plead bargaining. Oh yes I wore panties and pantyhose, no bra. Had to go thought metal detectors and the wand. And it the wand busses on bras. This was my third time in three years.

[Bernice]

For a change, I am totally with the consensus. Jury duty is not the place to push the envelope with gender expression. Cops/clerks/judges here generally have zero sense of humour, and are horribly intolerant of any form of diversity.

I did my duty about 2 years ago, a cocaine case tried a second time because the first jury was hung 11-1. Oddly enough, I was the only one voting "reasonable doubt" until right before the end. "Be not quick to judge" - I kept telling myself. In the end, the judge's prediction was right, and I sleep okay with my guilty verdict.

In voire dire, I don't see any law preventing you from offering your opinion that the defendant is already guilty. That should get you released without any negative consequences.

This time last year, I wish I had been called again. I was unemployed. Here we get a whopping $10 per day, and if serving on a case, we also get lunch (take-out) from a pretty good restaurant.

I could have underdressed then, but since then they have gone way overboard with airline-type security. I would not even underdress now.

[jennifer easton]

Karren a word to the wise your underwire bra may setoff the metal detector,just a though xoxoxoxJennifer

[serinalynn]

I love that show.......Judging Amy.... But this post isn't about that!

I got a letter in the mail.....jury duty!! End of the month!! And of coarse the first thought I had was......wonder if the Court House has a unisex restroom? Hehehe.

But I also wondered how many other girls have been called to serve on a jury and did you crossdress or partially crossdress while in court?

And I know its my duty and an honor to serve but wonder also if anyones been excused from jury duty because of crossdressing?

Or is crossdressing in the Court Room considered contempt of court??

It did say wear appropriate attire!! Skirt and blouse, low heels sound appropriate? Hehehe. What do you think?

Love Karren


Dress appropirately according to the name on your summons. If that name is Miss or Ms. Karren Hutton then go as Karren. if the sommons reads Mr. (your first name) Hutton then you'll have to go in drab. As in the latter case they'll be looking for a Mr. with short manly hair.

I did jury duty in San Diego Ca. back on May 10th 2006. and I did wear a mens polo shirt with womens wide leg pants that had 4 pockets, panties, trouser socks, and soft soled shoes. No one said any thing about the way I was dressed. There were 36 perspective jurrers sent to the court room(Department 47) 12 were listed as primary jurrers, a seciond group of 12 were first alternates and 12 remaining were back up jurrers. The judge after interviewing the first 12 and the first alternates gives the defense and the prosecution a number of challanges. The actual jury that will hear the case is usually picked from the first 12 and the 12.alternates. I was in the back up group as was eventually dismissed.

If you have a cell phone make sure you turn it OFF while in the court room. One guy did not and his phone went off while in the selection process and he got a 50 dollar fine from the Judge for letting it ring while court was in session.

[Karren H]

Ouch!! $50 is pretty steep!! I think I'll go as a male on day one to see what's going on and get the layout of the facilities....and depending on how many days I'm there I may mix it up a bit...

With a little luck I'll get sequestered for a couple weeks......Male jurror by day....chick my night!! :D

Love Karren

[Kimberley]

Just pray they dont sequester you.... The pain of not shopping or having to get a guard to get the right size panty hose could be shattering....

Oh the thoughts that vision conjures up....

[serinalynn]

Ouch!! $50 is pretty steep!! I think I'll go as a male on day one to see what's going on and get the layout of the facilities....and depending on how many days I'm there I may mix it up a bit...

With a little luck I'll get sequestered for a couple weeks......Male jurror by day....chick my night!! :D

Love Karren

A jury that is sequestered is usually for some very high profile case that will take more than afew days to be heard, or a case that there has been a lot of pre trial publicity. On the back of the juror sommons there may be a place where if your employer does not pay for jury service you may say that and they will usually dismiss you right then and there. In my case my employer will only pay up to 10 days. so I stated that on my summons and the case I was assigned to was scheduled to be concluded in 3-4 days. I was excused so for me it was just one day.

In San Diego the Coaster Commuter Train and The San Diego Trolley both stop 2 blocks from the Hall Of Justice, so I left my car at the Sorrento Valley Station and rode the Coaster into Downtown San Diego That was a great ride both ways. Had I been selected to hear the case I would have gotten free Coaster tickets for all the days of the case.

[Lauren Richards]

Cold Water here, girl. I think jury duty is too serious for the person sitting in the defendants chair to put any focus on yourself. They may be guilty as the day is long, and you can vote to hang them if justified, but let them have their day in court. There are plenty of other places to dress, and be a lady. I just wore a bra with small forms under my guy stuff last time, and was happy to know what was against my skin was my business. As jury foreman, nobody knew my secret, voting secret or open ballot.

Lauren

[joanlynn28]

I don't know who is going to be getting the summons for jury duty, is it going to be John? still my legal name or is it going to be addressed to Joan? which is what it says on my California Driver's License. In California to increase the jury pool we get called now from a list provided by the DMV of licensed drivers in the state. Otherwise people thinking if they did not register to vote they would never have to report for jury duty. Myself I have been called to jury duty about six times, only got to serve on one jury panel, a capital case, which the defendent was found guilty of 2nd degree murder. He killed his wife, which is usually the case. Ater the trail was over with we learned that this was the second time the defendent went to trail. The first case was turned down on appeal. The other times I was not either not selected or was excused during the selection process. We on the panel where curious why it seemed like this case was tried once before. And the prosecutor suspects that his girlfriend helped him kill his wife but there hasn't been any evidence to bring her up on any charges.

[rachael j.]

I received a jury summons a couple of weeks ago and the first thing I thought of was what I would wear. Definitely not a dress or skirt, but perhaps my femme slacks and a blouse. I would be wearing a bra regardless as it's nobody's business what I wear underneath (unless the blouse is see-thru). And since all I have are underwire bras I guess I would just have to explain that to the guard (as matter of factly and in as few words as possible). They may get a chuckle or two and the would have something to talk over at the dinner table! See there!?! I'm bringing familys closer togeather just by being me! I would like to be comfortable enough to wear whatever I like - wherever I like, but I'm not there yet. Blouse and slacks, bra, panties, hose and flats perhaps, but make-up probably not (well, maybe lipgloss and perhaps a bit of subtle eye-shadow). Unfortunately, I wasn't called, so I guess I just won't know untill next time. I do wish I had the fortitude to wear a nice pair of heels with my slacks (in public), but not yet.:D

[Denise_Z]

…since my driver' license has Joan Lynn on it Joan will be the one to report to jury duty. No matter what name is one my voter registration form. But I have been tempted to register as Joan despite not having my name legally changed yet.

How could you get a driver's licence under a name that is not your legal name?

[Karren H]

How could you get a driver's licence under a name that is not your legal name?

Yes......in some states you can go to the drivers licence center, enfemme with your real drivers licence and get a dup with your fem name but its only an I'd and not a drivers licence.....

Karren

[MsJanessa]

I love that show.......Judging Amy.... But this post isn't about that!

I got a letter in the mail.....jury duty!! End of the month!! And of coarse the first thought I had was......wonder if the Court House has a unisex restroom? Hehehe.

But I also wondered how many other girls have been called to serve on a jury and did you crossdress or partially crossdress while in court?

And I know its my duty and an honor to serve but wonder also if anyones been excused from jury duty because of crossdressing?

Or is crossdressing in the Court Room considered contempt of court??

It did say wear appropriate attire!! Skirt and blouse, low heels sound appropriate? Hehehe. What do you think?

Love Karren

I'm a recovering lawyer who had an active private practice for 18 years and am now an administrative hearing judge---I would love to be in jury duty---tried about 40 jury trials, start to finish in My career and always wondered what was going on behind that closed door----you should be aware hon that if you do "dress" for the occasion that you will probably get picked for a jury---us male lawyers always tried to get a pretty woman on the jury just to break up the boredom. Have fun xoxoxo Janessa

[Karren H]

Well Monday is the big day and I was chatting with a coworker a few minutes ago!

As we walked down the hall.... He said "So you got jury duty I hear?".

Yeah, I said and "I'm thinking of wearing a dress on Monday, What do you think of pink?".

"Ohhh, trying to get out of it, like a Klinger dodge?" He relpied.......

"No.....I just like wearing dresses!".

"Hahaha...your such a cut-up"

No one believes me when I tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!! Hehehe

Love Karren

[Angela E.]

You are so fun!And so pretty I`m sure there won`t be a problem no matter what you decide to do.I would leave the underwire bra at home though.:hugs: Angela:GE:

[Amy Hepker]

I do believe that as long as you are not trying to get out of being a juror by crossdressing, I don't think that there would be a problem. Today most courts are not dead set against crossdressing as it would be discrimitory to do so. And the courts don't want that much public attention that they discrimnated against anyone. My wife tried to use my crossdressing against me in the divorse court, but the Judge did not even take that into concideration. They cannot Discriminate against you. Just go and wear your best casual outfit and be comfortable. All courts are different though and may see it differently, but if something does happen and you feel your rights have been violated, well, you know what to do. Most of the time they are looking for certain kinds of jurors. both sides will though some out until they have there limit of Jurors. It maybe that you are just what one side wants, but then the other side may discard you. Have Fu with it and enjoy being Female.

About the driver License deal. I know of one person who when in and said they wanted to change the name and the sex on their diver License (this is in Iowa) They changed the name, but would not change the sex. The next time she went in she told them that they made a mistake last time and they changed it to Female. This maybe one way to do it.

[Karren H]

3 Days and counting.....already have my lunch breaks scheduled.....Victoria Secret for my free panties and then the goodwill store just down from the court house.....may fing something pretty. Also saw a TV news bit on the need to beef up security at our court house which means they probably don't have any now!!! COOL!!

Love Karren

[carla smith]

Just wanted to comment that I have been called for jury duty 3 times in 2 different states, one was federal court. The rules are different, it seems, for every jurisdiction. I applied for dismissal for all but the federal court, which would not dismiss automatically. The clerk of the court can answer most questions in most jurisdictions. I would recommend that you talk to the clerk of the court and find out about such things before going.

Depending on the matter before the court and the jurisdiction, you will be selected (or not) from the jury pool based on the attorney’s confidence of helping their client’s case. Picking a jury has become a real science (thanks to OJ trial) The way you present yourself during selection will be analyzed and computed as to how you will vote.

Have fun with it, it can be a life changing experience!

[Karren H]

Well day one of jury duty and went totally male....and sure glad I did because after setting down amongst my fellow citizens, in walks a good friend/coworker and sets down right next to me!! Now had I wore a skirt or a dress that would have been a disaster plus some.....WHEWWWWW...... So didn't get picked for a case today and not enough time to get dressed enfemme and go anywhere so I'm going to do some shopping on the way back to work. Brough Karren's travel tote along in the truck just incase the opportunity presents itself.... Maybe tomorrow!!

Karren