PRACTICE MANUAL OF THE SOUTH GAUTENG HIGH COURT

CHAPTER FOUR: COUNSEL'S DRESS

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1.	Counsel are required to be properly dressed. If not properly dressed they run the risk of not being “seen” by the presiding judge.
2.	Proper dress for junior counsel comprises:
	2.1	A black stuff gown
	2.2	A plain black long sleeved jacket (and not a waistcoat) which has both a collar and lapels. The jacket must have, for closing, one or two buttons at the waist. The buttons must be black
	2.3	A white shirt or blouse closed at the neck.
	2.4	A white lace jabot or white bands.
	2.5	Dark pants or skirt.
	2.6	Black or dark closed shoes.
3.	Proper dress for senior counsel comprises:
	3.1	A silk gown.
	3.2	A silk waistcoat.
	3.3	A white shirt or blouse closed at the neck.
	3.4	A white lace jabot or white bands.
	3.5	Dark pants or skirt.
	3.6	Black or dark closed shoes.
4.	Counsel must ensure when appearing in court that their waistcoats or jackets, as the case may be, are buttoned up
5.	It is not proper for counsel to enter court not fully robed as set out in paragraph 2 and paragraph 3 supra. It follows that counsel should not robe in court.