California Courthouse Dress Code & Attire Rules (2026)

Short answer: Clean, non-ripped dark jeans are generally accepted for jurors and traffic court visitors, but shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and slides are prohibited across nearly all 35 courthouses in California. Updated 2026-11-04

All 35 county courthouses in California enforce judicial decorum dress codes: shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, halter tops, pajamas, and hats are prohibited in courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may refuse entry or reset your hearing if you are improperly dressed. California Superior Courts allow cell phones and laptops past security checkpoints across all 58 counties, but California Rule of Court 1.150 strictly forbids photographing or recording anywhere inside a courthouse without written judicial permission.

County CourthouseCityCourtroom dress codePhone LockersJuror Parking
Los Angeles County
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center & Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Downtown LA)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Los Angeles County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Los Angeles Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
San Diego County
San Diego Central Courthouse
“Courtroom Decorum Order (San Diego County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
San Diego Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers $20/day
Orange County
Central Justice Center (Santa Ana)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Orange County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Santa Ana Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Riverside County
Riverside County Courthouse (Riverside)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Riverside County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Riverside Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County Courthouse (San Bernardino)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (San Bernardino County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
San Bernardino Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Courthouse (San Jose)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Santa Clara County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
San Jose Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Alameda County
Alameda County Courthouse (Oakland)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Alameda County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Oakland Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Sacramento County
Sacramento County Courthouse (Sacramento)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Sacramento County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Sacramento Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County Courthouse (Martinez)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Contra Costa County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Martinez Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Fresno County
Fresno County Courthouse (Fresno)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Fresno County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Fresno Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Kern County
Kern County Courthouse (Bakersfield)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Kern County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Bakersfield Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Ventura County
Ventura County Courthouse (Ventura)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Ventura County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Ventura Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
San Francisco County
San Francisco County Courthouse (San Francisco)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (San Francisco County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
San Francisco Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County Courthouse (Stockton)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (San Joaquin County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Stockton Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
San Mateo County
San Mateo County Courthouse (Redwood City)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (San Mateo County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Redwood City Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Stanislaus County
Stanislaus County Courthouse (Modesto)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Stanislaus County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Modesto Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Sonoma County
Sonoma County Courthouse (Santa Rosa)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Sonoma County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Santa Rosa Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Tulare County
Tulare County Courthouse (Visalia)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Tulare County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Visalia Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Solano County
Solano County Courthouse (Fairfield)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Solano County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Fairfield Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County Courthouse (Santa Barbara)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Santa Barbara County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Santa Barbara Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Monterey County
Monterey County Courthouse (Salinas)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Monterey County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Salinas Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Placer County
Placer County Courthouse (Roseville)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Placer County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Roseville Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Merced County
Merced County Courthouse (Merced)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Merced County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Merced Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County Courthouse (San Luis Obispo)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (San Luis Obispo County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
San Luis Obispo Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County Courthouse (Santa Cruz)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Santa Cruz County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Santa Cruz Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Marin County
Marin County Courthouse (San Rafael)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Marin County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
San Rafael Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Yolo County
Yolo County Courthouse (Woodland)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Yolo County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Woodland Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Butte County
Butte County Courthouse (Oroville)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Butte County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Oroville Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
El Dorado County
El Dorado County Courthouse (Placerville)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (El Dorado County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Placerville Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Shasta County
Shasta County Courthouse (Redding)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Shasta County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Redding Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Imperial County
Imperial County Courthouse (El Centro)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Imperial County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
El Centro Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Madera County
Madera County Courthouse (Madera)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Madera County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Madera Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Kings County
Kings County Courthouse (Hanford)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Kings County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Hanford Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Humboldt County
Humboldt County Courthouse (Eureka)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Humboldt County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Eureka Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
Napa County
Napa County Courthouse (Napa)
“Courtroom Decorum Order (Napa County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."”
Napa Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats No lockers Free Validated
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear jeans or shorts to court in California?

Clean, non-ripped dark jeans are generally accepted for jurors and traffic court visitors, but shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and slides are prohibited across nearly all 35 courthouses in California.

How is this courthouse policy data verified?

We verify every county against official Court Administrative Orders (.gov), Jury Commissioner instructions, and Sheriff Court Security directives. Last verified 2026-11-04.

More Courthouse Rules in California

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