Why Do British Lawyers Wear Wigs?
I'm not British, so I don't know. Maybe one you people from England could answer this
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Not all lawyers wear wigs... only barristers wear wigs.
The tradition of British lawyers (specifically barristers) wearing wigs in court dates back to the **17th century**, and while it might seem peculiar today, it originated from several factors and has persisted due to a combination of history and symbolism.
Here's a breakdown of the key reasons:
1. **Fashion of the Time (17th Century):** Wigs became highly fashionable across Europe, particularly among the upper and middle classes, starting in the mid-17th century. This trend was notably popularized by figures like King Louis XIV of France and his cousin, King Charles II of England, who used wigs to disguise hair loss (often attributed to syphilis, which was rampant at the time). As members of "polite society" and professionals, judges and lawyers adopted this fashionable attire. By around 1685, full, shoulder-length wigs became part of proper court dress.
2. **Symbolism of Formality and Authority:** Even as wigs fell out of general fashion in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the legal profession largely retained them. They came to symbolize:
* **Formality and Solemnity:** The wigs contribute to the serious and formal atmosphere of the courtroom, emphasizing the gravity of legal proceedings.
* **Authority and Dignity:** They convey a sense of authority and dignity for those upholding the law.
* **Impartiality and Anonymity:** The wig, along with the gown, acts as a uniform that helps to depersonalize the barrister or judge. It can create a visual separation between the individual and the law they represent, fostering a sense of impartiality and ensuring that personal appearance doesn't distract from the legal arguments. It's often said that it helps barristers avoid being judged on their personal style or appearance.
3. **Tradition and History:** The legal profession in the UK places a strong emphasis on tradition and the long history of common law. Wearing wigs is a visual link to this heritage and is seen by many as a mark of respect for the court and the legal system. In criminal courts, not wearing a wig can even be seen as an insult to the court.
**Current Practice:**
While wigs are still an iconic part of British court attire, their use has been modified:
* **Criminal Cases:** Wigs remain a requirement for barristers and judges in most criminal trials in the UK.
* **Civil and Family Cases:** Since reforms in 2007, wigs are generally no longer required for barristers or judges in civil or family court proceedings. They are also not worn in the UK Supreme Court.
* **Ceremonial Occasions:** The longer, more elaborate "full-bottomed" wigs are now typically reserved for ceremonial occasions.
Barristers' wigs are traditionally made of horsehair, though synthetic versions are also available. Despite ongoing debates about their modern relevance, many in the British legal profession continue to value and uphold the tradition of wearing wigs, especially in criminal law, as a symbol of their role and the enduring history of the law.
Here's a breakdown of the key reasons:
1. **Fashion of the Time (17th Century):** Wigs became highly fashionable across Europe, particularly among the upper and middle classes, starting in the mid-17th century. This trend was notably popularized by figures like King Louis XIV of France and his cousin, King Charles II of England, who used wigs to disguise hair loss (often attributed to syphilis, which was rampant at the time). As members of "polite society" and professionals, judges and lawyers adopted this fashionable attire. By around 1685, full, shoulder-length wigs became part of proper court dress.
2. **Symbolism of Formality and Authority:** Even as wigs fell out of general fashion in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the legal profession largely retained them. They came to symbolize:
* **Formality and Solemnity:** The wigs contribute to the serious and formal atmosphere of the courtroom, emphasizing the gravity of legal proceedings.
* **Authority and Dignity:** They convey a sense of authority and dignity for those upholding the law.
* **Impartiality and Anonymity:** The wig, along with the gown, acts as a uniform that helps to depersonalize the barrister or judge. It can create a visual separation between the individual and the law they represent, fostering a sense of impartiality and ensuring that personal appearance doesn't distract from the legal arguments. It's often said that it helps barristers avoid being judged on their personal style or appearance.
3. **Tradition and History:** The legal profession in the UK places a strong emphasis on tradition and the long history of common law. Wearing wigs is a visual link to this heritage and is seen by many as a mark of respect for the court and the legal system. In criminal courts, not wearing a wig can even be seen as an insult to the court.
**Current Practice:**
While wigs are still an iconic part of British court attire, their use has been modified:
* **Criminal Cases:** Wigs remain a requirement for barristers and judges in most criminal trials in the UK.
* **Civil and Family Cases:** Since reforms in 2007, wigs are generally no longer required for barristers or judges in civil or family court proceedings. They are also not worn in the UK Supreme Court.
* **Ceremonial Occasions:** The longer, more elaborate "full-bottomed" wigs are now typically reserved for ceremonial occasions.
Barristers' wigs are traditionally made of horsehair, though synthetic versions are also available. Despite ongoing debates about their modern relevance, many in the British legal profession continue to value and uphold the tradition of wearing wigs, especially in criminal law, as a symbol of their role and the enduring history of the law.