Barristers in England and Wales traditionally wear wigs to court, which has led to much discussion on whether this adds anything extra to the prestige of legal profession.
Proponents of wearing wigs argue that it adds a sense of ceremonial formality, helping distinguish professional barristers from solicitors and clerks in courtroom. Other legal professionals disagree and consider them unnecessary for modern legal systems.
Anonymity and Impartiality
Criminal trials have long enthralled audiences. Strangers crowd into courtrooms to witness proceedings directly while others tune in online or watch pseudo-fictional prime-time portrayals of trials on television.
Wigs were first popularly adopted as fashion items during King Charles II’s reign as part of formal society attire, becoming an integral component of legal profession uniforms as time progressed. Though their popularity eventually declined over time, wigs still played a vital role in professional attire.
Barristers remain popular today among lawyers defending criminal cases at trial and on appeal; though practical allowances are sometimes made to meet contemporary justice demands. Still, their practice serves as a powerful symbol of legal tradition while distinguishing lawyers from their clients.
Professional Distinction
As opposed to their solicitor counterparts, who typically meet clients outside court and don’t wear wigs, barristers use their uniform as part of the legal process to distinguish themselves and show they aren’t directly involved with cases brought before them. It helps create an easy distinction between themselves and those brought before them.
As such, this tradition serves to remind lawyers of their importance to society and how powerful they are. It symbolizes their position within it and shows their authority – thus encouraging proper treatment from all involved.
While this tradition may have diminished over time, with solicitors and judges no longer required to wear them in family or civil courts and appearances at the Supreme Court no longer necessary, it remains an integral part of law and likely will never go away anytime soon.
Visibility and Identification
For those unfamiliar with British legal systems, wigs are an eye-catching feature of courtroom proceedings. Not only do they create an aura of authority between law and those brought before it, but the wigs serve a number of practical functions too.
Wigs are still an integral part of legal profession. Barristers and judges often wear them as part of their uniform.
Barristers consider wigs an integral component of their identity as lawyers; it helps distinguish them from their solicitor counterparts who do not wear them, and provides identification within courtroom proceedings; moreover, the wig serves as an emblematic reminder of legal authority and supremacy within society – so much so that its absence would not be considered acceptable headwear among members of either bench or bar.
Aesthetics
Lawyers contend that wearing wigs and robes helps distinguish judges from ordinary citizens while adding an air of ceremonial solemnity. Critics counter that the requirement to wear one may discourage individuals from diverse backgrounds from becoming lawyers as well as increase gender inequality in proceedings.
Origins of Wig Wearing | Fashionable Wigs for the 17th Century (Baldness Was Common Sign Of Syphilis) The use of wigs became fashionable among polite society during this era and later began appearing in courtrooms due to Charles II’s reign.
Wigs remain an established tradition in criminal and higher courts, but practical adjustments have been made to keep up with modern sensibilities. It is increasingly common for judges to preside without wearing their wig in lower courts; rules have also been relaxed during summer heatwaves to alleviate heat discomfort for judges presiding. Pupil barristers typically pay between PS700 – PS1000 for their initial wig purchases which often proves out of reach for many students.