Can I wear hijab in court as a witness or juror?

Hijab is normally accepted

Courts in the UK and USA generally treat religious dress like a headscarf, turban or kippah as acceptable. Judges in England and Wales follow official equal-treatment guidance that expects respect for religious dress, and in the USA religious freedom is protected by the First Amendment. As a juror, you sit in your normal clothes, so hijab is no different from any other outfit.

Islam values giving honest testimony, so being a witness or juror can be a good deed. See Can Muslims serve on a jury?

What about niqab?

This is where it can get complicated. Courts like to see a witness's face to judge their evidence. In some UK cases, judges have let a woman keep her niqab on in court generally but asked her to uncover while giving evidence, sometimes behind a screen or with only the judge, jury and lawyers able to see her. Rules differ by country and by judge.

Most scholars say covering the face isn't required, and even those who say it is allow uncovering when there's a genuine need, such as giving testimony or identification. See Is niqab required in Islam?

Practical steps

• Tell the court staff or the witness service in advance that you wear hijab or niqab.
• If you wear niqab, ask what arrangements they can make, such as a screen or a female officer for identity checks.
• Bring a plain, neat scarf; nothing needs to change about your usual hijab.
• If you're asked to take an oath, you can affirm or swear on the Quran. See Can Muslims swear on the Quran in court?

If someone objects

If you're told to remove a headscarf (not a face veil), politely ask to speak to the clerk or usher and mention equality law. This is rare. Similar issues come up at work too. See What if my employer bans the hijab?