Religious headgear in NC courtrooms. (Charlotte: condo, DMV, license)

[JB from NC]

Does anyone know if religious headgear is allowed in court?

I'm Jewish and wear my kippah all the time. I've received a summons for jury duty in Cumberland County, but nothing on the NC Courts websites or the summons itself says much. I did find a link that stated that non-religious headgear would not be allowed.

[happehart]

I wear head scarf and when I got my license the DMV asked if I wear it for religious reasons and they noted that on my application. I would assume the courts would honor your right to wear your religious head gear. Good luck.

[GCharlotte]

Originally Posted by JB from NC

Does anyone know if religious headgear is allowed in court?

I'm Jewish and wear my kippah all the time. I've received a summons for jury duty in Cumberland County, but nothing on the NC Courts websites or the summons itself says much. I did find a link that stated that non-religious headgear would not be allowed.

You should be fine but you could call. If they said otherwise you can then call a lawyer. Where it gets sticky is when you want to wear a spaghetti strainer on your head.

[JB from NC]

Originally Posted by happehart

I wear head scarf and when I got my license the DMV asked if I wear it for religious reasons and they noted that on my application. I would assume the courts would honor your right to wear your religious head gear. Good luck.

Originally Posted by GCharlotte

You should be fine but you could call. If they said otherwise you can then call a lawyer. Where it gets sticky is when you want to wear a spaghetti strainer on your head.

Thank you both for your replies. I'll most likely call the clerk of court today and ask about it.

[steve54]

I think you will find any court will allow the wearing or religious headgear - I can't see a court ordering a Sikh to take off his turban!

[GCharlotte]

Originally Posted by steve54

I think you will find any court will allow the wearing or religious headgear - I can't see a court ordering a Sikh to take off his turban!

Google what I said about spaghetti.

[JoeTarheel]

It kinda depends on the judge, but I would think religious clothing would be universally allowed.

I went to court one time years ago in the heat of the summer and they were not allowing people into the courtroom wearing flip flops per the judge. Not that I condone flip flops in court, but I was lumped in with the many flip flop wearers because I was wearing Birkenstock sandals...the judge must have had an issue with bare toes. I guess I should have said it was part of my religion.

[JB from NC]

Well, no problems with my kippah. I wore a plain black one, and the bailiff just nodded as I walked past.

A Muslim man and I did have to affirm rather than swear in inside the Jury assembly room though; Christian Bibles were the only books available.