Miscellaneous

UK Wigs Out

By Anne Skove, Esq.

Perhaps judges in the UK will take a cue from Beyonce and donate their wigs.

They won't be needing them anymore in court: the UK has decided that wigs are soooo 17th century! Starting now, civil and family court judges will tone down their look.

Gone, too, are the red robes. Too Santa-esque, or too papist? The new uniform is more subdued, although it was designed by Betty "funky British clothes for funky British girls" Jackson. HIgh Court judges will keep their red robes, but lose the different types of robes for winter and summer.

Not everyone is impressed with the change. Tradition! Wigs were also useful for judges who did not wish to be immediately recognizable outside of court. And judges never, ever had to worry about having a bad hair day. But cost, modern life, and simplicity won the day for the anti-wig factions. Criminal court judges will keep their traditional garb, although it, too, will eventually be phased out.

For a brief history of wig-wearing and commentary on the current trend, see Judges' Dress Should Uphold the Majesty of Law, Philip Johnston, Telegraph (October 1, 2008).

See also Judges Set Aside Tradition to Sit Without Wigs in Civil Court, Audrey Gillan, Guardian (October 1, 2008).

Full post as published by court-o-rama.org on October 02, 2008 (boomark / email).