Why Do Lawyers Wear Judge Wigs? A Definitive Answer

Charity-Nasike-author
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Have you been in court? Did you wonder why do british lawyers wear wigs? or why do barristers wear judge wigs?

Well, let me tell you something about those wigs in court.

Influence from the Past

In the year 1625, there was a paper that wanted to change the dress of a high court official. This paper really led the way in adopting the robes and wigs as the uniform that is commonly worn by judges and barristers in the courtroom.[1]

Most of you would think that people only wear black and white in a courtroom, making it look so boring. Aside from the black and white, there are also some seasonal robes that they wear. These vary in color and are worn depending on the purpose of the year.

However, these robes are just half of the whole attire worn in the court.

Wigs are also worn in court and were one of the fashion trends that were adopted in the 17th century. Those wigs, especially the judge’s wig, were the proper legal way back in 1685 up until the present.[2]

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Are Wigs Still Necessary in Court?

There are some countries that no longer adopt this legal wardrobe though they still wear robes but not wigs.

However, there are still some English lawyer countries, such as Australia, that actually value this tradition in court.

People in the courtroom still have the appropriate legal dress code as a sign of respect in their court proceedings, and in promoting formality inside the courtroom.

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5 Things You Need to Know About Judge Wig

1. The proper name of wig worn by lawyers in court

Peruke: Many barristers who wear wigs say the headgear – also known as a peruke – gives the courtroom a formal and dignified feel.

2. Periphrasing

The word “Perruque” is a French word that actually does not sound like “wig,” but it is actually the very root of the word wig.

3. It is Never an Outdated Style

Wigs in court are considered to be never out of style. Just like the “Tie Wig” which started in the year 1700’s and up until today, people in the court are still using wigs. This commonly has rows of curled hair at the back and side portion.

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4. Not All Barristers Should Wear Wigs

There was a time in 1960 when Sikh barristers did not wear wigs in the courtroom but wore turbans instead.

5. Men In Wigging

Sometime in the year 1922, when they first called women into the courtroom, they suggested that women should no longer wear wigs in court. However, this suggestion was shot down in March in the same year for some reason.

3 Types of Judge Wigs in the Court

1. The Full-Bottomed

Costume Retro Judge Wig

This type is usually worn by the Lead Counsel, Queens Counsel, the Judges, the Members of the House of Lords. This type has features of a thick curl that covers the ear down to the shoulder.

This is usually worn on a ceremonial occasion and is not worn in a regular hearing case.


2. The Bob Wig in Court

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This is usually worn by Judges. It features a frizzed side and a looptail which hangs at the back portion of the wig. It is usually worn for hearing regular cases by judges.

The Bob wig for judges is usually made of horsehair instead of human or synthetic hair.


3. The Tie Wig in Court

 Judge Court Lawyer Cosplay Wig

This is commonly worn by Barristers. Its common feature is that it covers up the half portion of the head, it has curls that are arranged in rows on each side and at the back, and a looped tail at the back.

This is commonly used on a hearing trial by those people who are qualified barristers once they start practicing in the field.


Conclusion

So, the next time you are in court and see a barrister or lawyer wearing a wig, now you know why. It is not just for tradition or to look smart; it has an important function in the courtroom. If you need to buy a wig for yourself or someone else, be sure to check out our website for all of your wig needs.

Author: Charity Nasike

AUTHOR

Charity Nasike is a passionate wig wearer and basically has diverse knowledge related to wigs' care and maintenance. When she's not writing, she's either in the kitchen trying out new recipes or on social media advising fellow ladies tricks to apply on their wigs.

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1 thought on “Why Do Lawyers Wear Judge Wigs? A Definitive Answer”

  1. Wigs were a symbol of power and dignity, and it was used to distinguish lawyers from people belonging to other sections of society. Wigs and their introduction in the judicial and legal systems can also be attributed to the French

    Reply
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