Why Lawyers Wear Wigs in Court
British courts require their law enforcers to wear perukes, or wigs, so as to differentiate themselves from those subject to their scrutiny. Wearing perukes helps make this distinction clear.
Reddit user @femalebarrister provided her reasoning for it: They’re traditional, help equalise courtroom proceedings and help cover up any bald spots.
They are a fashion statement
Though many associate the white wigs and long black gowns worn by barristers with the legal system, they aren’t actually required clothing items. First introduced as fashion statements during the 17th century, these wigs have now become part of legal profession; though not everyone believes they remain necessary.
Wigs fell out of fashion during the reign of King George III (1760-1820). At that time, only bishops, coachmen, and members of the legal profession wore them; however they continued to be used during court cases until 2007 when new rules allowed wigs to become optional during family or civil court appearances and before the Supreme Court of United Kingdom hearings.
Though once considered fashion statements, wigs remain worn by lawyers to symbolise their status and authority as well as conceal baldness and give a distinguished appearance. Barrister’s wigs (known as perukes ) are made by hand using premium horsehair, though the cost may be worth bearing to maintain a professional image.
The origins of wig wearing date back to Louis XIV’s desire to disguise his thinning head during the mid 17th century in France. This soon spread throughout European upper and middle classes before making its way over to England where Charles II embraced it; eventually becoming part of his uniform as an English lawyer.
Judges and barristers used to wear wigs as a badge of wealth and power; today, however, they do it more for respect for law as well as tradition and history within courts and to protect themselves from those seeking revenge outside.
As much as it may appear outdated, wigs in courtroom are an integral part of honoring legal history while remaining relevant in modern audiences. Although stiff white horsehair wigs might appear outdated to modern audiences, their purpose remains: maintaining traditional courtroom appearance.
They are a symbol of authority
Long regarded as a symbol of authority, judges’ and barristers’ wigs are still worn today as a sign of respect and formality in courtrooms. While some critics find these attire outdated or ridiculous, others consider that these wigs add solemnity and impartiality to proceedings and help distinguish lawyers from the public, essential components in maintaining professional images.
Wigs are typically constructed of horsehair, an extremely durable material. Barristers typically purchase one wig to last their careers and must wear it every time they appear in court. Wigs can be costly and challenging to keep clean; over time they may become dirty and smelly or become itchy and unpleasant for wearers; many barristers complain about these uncomfortable garments.
However, some barristers remain committed to keeping the wig tradition alive. According to them, wigs are essential in criminal trials because they provide judges and lawyers with protection from potential defendants looking for revenge outside of court. John McNamara maintains that international courts in The Hague require wigs as they provide an important sense of authority and equality among different cultures.
Prior to their introduction in the 17th century, British lawyers had to maintain neatly trimmed hair and beards while dressing in gowns with bands or jabots pinned around their necks – something which cannot be done today without wearing a wig. Some courts even prohibit judges from sitting unless wearing one!
Modernly, many countries have abandoned the practice of judges wearing wigs; however, in certain places such as the US where judges must wear black robes with white wigs for formal proceedings; the same holds true in the UK where wigs and gowns may be required in most cases; they don’t necessarily need to when not overseeing cases.
“Wigs are an age-old practice that many lawyers and judges no longer see any place for in modern society,” according to Forbes magazine. They represent tradition but lack practical use compared to a suit or tie; critics claim wigs make judges appear as though they’re trying too hard to impress a crowd rather than offering impartial and fair judgments.
They are a way to conceal baldness
Lawyers don wigs as a way of concealing their baldness and to differentiate themselves from the clients who come before the court. Although wigs have fallen out of fashion among society at large, judges and barristers still wear them; some even consider them part of their uniform; although this decision has come under fire from other members of their profession.
Lawyers and judges have worn wigs since ancient times as part of their practice of law. The white, stiff peruke wigs originally made from horsehair serve as a reminder of its historic roots while simultaneously symbolizing respect and authority they command within society.
Wigs may only seem commonplace in movies or on television shows, but they remain in widespread use among judges and barristers worldwide. While critics call for their removal, some believe wigs help differentiate law enforcers from those brought before courts for trial.
In the past, wigs were worn to guard against lice and diseases transmitted through personal contact. Furthermore, they helped maintain cleanliness within courtrooms – however this practice no longer appears to be strictly followed.
Judges and barristers believe wigs help create an atmosphere of unity among their peers, especially in the UK where there are two separate legal professions – barristers and solicitors – where barristers wear wigs when appearing in court while solicitors do not. As a result, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish between one profession and the other when appearing before judges or magistrates.
Wigs are a reminder of the history and development of law. Some lawyers consider it essential to maintain this tradition by wearing them in court, though their usage has become less formal and less costly over time; in addition, many judges and barristers now wear human-hair wigs to reduce allergies or health concerns.
They are a way to distancing themselves
British judges and barristers wear elaborate wigs that may harken back to the 17th century, yet this costume serves an important function in courtrooms. Wigs like those worn by judges and barristers help distance judges and barristers from any personal biases they might hold as well as symbolize justice and fairness in equal measures. A peruke, as wigs are known, have long been part of legal culture here; barristers often required to wear it during trials.
King Charles II (1660-1685) first introduced wigs into courtrooms as fashion statement during his reign (1660-1685). Popular among polite society, this fashionable accessory soon found itself being adopted by judges to show status and power; by 1820s it had even become an official requirement of lawyers, though its popularity diminished over time among bishops, coachmen, and members of legal profession.
British barristers’ wigs today are typically constructed of a blend of wool and human hair, and come in various styles and colors. Most commonly worn is the bob-style with shorter sides at both back and front for easier movement as well as an attached tail; full-bottomed wigs once used ceremonially but now only appear at special court occasions.
Barristers often wear wigs to easily identify clients and distinguish themselves from peers in the legal system. Furthermore, their appearance helps equalize all barristers by eliminating differences in age, gender, race or other aspects. Finally, wearing one can reduce distraction from members of the public or legal professionals alike.
Some lawyers regard wigs as outdated; however, others view them as an essential component of their uniform and way to differentiate themselves from the law. Furthermore, some argue that barristers wear them to help shield from baldness, which tends to affect men more than women. Finally, others suggest wearing one as protection from cold conditions; typically worn with blazers and suits which add an element of professionalism when out and about in public.