The only thing that is constant in life is change: British lawyers and Judges set to stop wearing wigs

Lawyers and judges in Britian are set to stop wearing white horse-hair wigs in non-criminal cases

• Britain's head of judiciary announced this on Thursday, November 9, 2017

• Judges will need just one gown in future instead of a variety of colorful outfits currently required

After several centuries, Britain’s lawyers and judges will stop wearing white horse-hair wigs in non-criminal cases, according to the head of the country’s judiciary announced on Thursday, November 9.

Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, the Lord Chief Justice said the new dress rules would mean the wigs, which British legal professionals have worn since the 17th century, would not be needed in civil or family court cases.

It was also announced that wing collars and bands, that is white cotton strips worn round the neck can also be dispensed with in such cases according to the reforms, while judges will need just one gown in future instead of a variety of colorful outfits currently required.

However, the wigs will still be worn in criminal courts.

According to Reuters, Phillips said in a statement: “At present High Court judges have no less than five different sets of working dress, depending on the jurisdiction in which they are sitting and the season of the year.

“After widespread consultation it has been decided to simplify this.”

However, the idea of abolishing them has met with disapproval from some lawyers who feel the wigs give them an air of authority as well as anonymity.

“While there will never be unanimity of view about court dress, the desirability of these changes has a broad measure of agreement,” Phillips said.
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Source: Reuters
Image: pixabay