Wednesday, July 18, 2007

About time!

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY CUSTOM
Wigs, Gowns StayIn British Criminal Courts, But Shucked In Civil, Family

National Post
Friday, July 13, 2007
Page A3

Judges and lawyers are to keep their wigs and gowns in criminal courts in England and Wales. Lord Phillips, Britain's Lord Chief Jusitce, said the 18-century-style horsehair wigs and flowing gowns would stay, although there would be some seasonal variations to judges' robes in the higher courts.

But from Jan. 1 next year, Judges and lawyers will ditch their hairpieces in civil and family courts. The changes come as a result of consultations on the reform of legal attire. A survey of 1,600 members of the public and 500 court users suggested more than 64% thought court dress should be modernized. The idea has met with disapproval from some lawyers who feel the wigs give them an air of authority as well as anonymity.

National Post News Services


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