Why do british judges wear wigs

Overview

The tradition of British judges wearing wigs originated in the late 17th century when elaborate wigs became fashionable among European aristocracy and professionals. King Charles II (reigned 1660-1685) popularized the periwig fashion at court, and by the 1680s, legal professionals had adopted wigs as standard courtroom attire. This practice was part of a broader movement to distinguish the legal profession and create visual uniformity that emphasized the law's authority rather than individual personalities. The wigs served to anonymize judges and barristers, promoting the idea that justice was being delivered by the institution rather than individuals. Over centuries, the style evolved from the extravagant full-bottomed wigs of the 18th century to more practical shorter styles, but the tradition persisted through Victorian reforms and into the modern era. Today, the judiciary maintains specific wig protocols, with different styles for various court levels and occasions, creating a distinctive visual identity for British courts that differs from most other legal systems worldwide.

How It Works

British judicial wigs follow specific protocols based on court type and occasion. Higher courts like the Crown Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court typically require wigs during criminal proceedings, while civil and family courts have largely abandoned them since 2008. There are two main wig styles: the full-bottomed wig, worn during ceremonial occasions like openings of the legal year, measures approximately 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) with cascading curls; and the bench wig, a shorter style with frizzed sides worn for daily court proceedings. Wigs are handmade from horsehair, which is durable and maintains its shape, with each wig taking about 44 hours to create and costing £600-£3,000. The wearing protocol includes matching black gowns and specific collar styles, creating a complete uniform that minimizes individual appearance differences. New wigs are traditionally presented to judges and barristers in formal ceremonies, and proper maintenance involves regular cleaning and storage in special boxes to preserve their shape and appearance.

Why It Matters

The continued use of wigs in British courts represents a living legal tradition that connects modern jurisprudence with centuries of legal history, providing visual continuity in a system where precedent holds particular importance. Proponents argue wigs maintain dignity and formality in courtrooms, create psychological distance between judges and emotional proceedings, and symbolize the impartiality of justice by obscuring personal characteristics. However, critics contend they appear anachronistic, create barriers between the public and legal system, and represent unnecessary expenses in an era of budget constraints. The 2008 reforms that removed wigs from most civil proceedings reflected changing attitudes while preserving the tradition in criminal courts where formality is deemed most important. Internationally, the distinctive wigs contribute to Britain's unique legal identity and are often featured in media representations of British justice, though similar traditions have largely disappeared from other Commonwealth countries like Canada and New Zealand.