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NOTICE FROM THE SUPREME COURT OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR: COURT ATTIRE

The following Notice to the Profession outlines the appropriate attire for counsel when conducting business, including proceedings conducted by way of video, before a judge of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. This Notice applies to proceedings in both the General and Family Divisions and replaces the Notice issued on March 10, 2016.

Should counsel dress in a manner not in compliance with this Notice, the judge presiding over Court proceedings may refuse to grant them an audience.

When Gowning Required

  1. Counsel must gown for the following:
    • All criminal proceedings other than conferences (e.g., case management conferences, pre-trial conferences, etc.);
    • Summary conviction appeal hearings; and,
    • All other trials (e.g., civil and family trials, child protection proceedings, divorce proceedings, etc.).

When Gowning Not Required

  1. For any proceeding that does not require counsel to gown, counsel must ensure they wear:
    • A dark business suit, with or without a tie; and,
    • Dark closed-toe
  1. Chambers attire remains an appropriate alternative to business attire as referred to in paragraph 2, and counsel may wear chambers attire for any proceeding which does not require gowning.
  2. Chambers attire comprises: a black barrister’s waistcoat, a black blazer and vest, or a black business suitcoat; a court tie; a white collared shirt; grey striped trousers or a skirt, or black business trousers or skirt; and black dress shoes.

Accommodation

  1. Counsel with personal circumstances, including pregnancy, a medical condition or disability, or religious dress requirements, may modify their traditional court attire in order to accommodate their personal circumstances as they see fit.
  2. Any alternative attire adopted should be dark in colour and in keeping with the spirt of this Notice and Court decorum. Counsel may, prior to the opening of Court, advise the clerk that they are in modified attire in accordance with the Notice to the Profession.

Effective Date

  1. This notice comes into effect on January 13, 2025.

 

RAYMOND P. WHALEN

Chief Justice

View the notice here.

 

Posted: January 8, 2025