Mechanics of clothing for criminal trials.

Factual Questions
1

Inspired by this thread Why do prisoners wear jumpsuits? - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board, I’m wondering what are the mechanics of prisoners wearing either orange jumpsuits or a Brooks Brothers suit for courtroom appearances.

  1. Is a suit v. jumpsuit the prisoners choice?
  2. Where are the clothes kept between appearances in court?
  3. What if prisoners clothes are in NYC, and trial is in Poughkeepsie?
  4. What path do the clothes take from the house to the prisoner? What stops in between, etc…?

And any other things related.

Don’t need answer fast.

Thanks,
hh

2

It is my understanding that if prisoners have to appear in front of a jury as a defendant, they are allowed to dress properly. Making the jurors see the defendant (who is still presumed innocent) in an orange jump suit and shackled would obviously be prejudicial.

3

Trial and bail courts have a cell built in (or at least a tunell to a police station which has its cells… ) this cell is where a dangerous criminal would be allowed to change.

4

Also, defense attorneys frequently keep a supply of spare clothing for criminal defendants who may not have appropriate courtroom clothes, or who don’t have family to bring them their own clothing.

5

Defendants can still be shackled even with a jury present if they demonstrate that they’re potential security threats.

6

The defendant might be shackled in a way that would be inconspicuous, so the jury might not notice.

When I appeared in court for a voir dire proceeding as a prospective juror, the defendant sat at a table alongside his lawyer (a public defender, I believe). I caught a brief glimpse of his leg under the table as I walked up to the jury box. One leg was shackled to a tie-down on the floor. But this was hardly very noticeable, and not at all visible from the jury box.

7

It depends on the nature of the charges the defendant is facing. It may be better that he appears in jail attire if there is a chance of sympathy for the defendant and a desire to communicate that the defendant, who might be innocent, is suffering in jail. On the other hand, it he’s being accused of being a dirty scumbag dope dealer, he’s best to show up in court well manicured, nice suit and tie, and with shined shoes. The attorney is really marketing the defendant to the jury so anything is possible.

8

You are 100% correct, per the US Supreme court, that case I know of.