Why do british lawyers wear wigs

Overview

The tradition of British lawyers wearing wigs, known as perukes, originated in the 17th century during the Restoration period. King Charles II (reigned 1660-1685) popularized wigs in court fashion after returning from exile in France, where wigs were fashionable among aristocrats. By the 1680s, wigs had become standard courtroom attire, initially as a fashion statement rather than official dress. The legal profession adopted wigs more systematically in the early 18th century, with the practice becoming firmly established by the 1720s. These wigs were originally made from human hair or horsehair and were designed to project dignity, authority, and anonymity. The tradition persisted through centuries despite changing fashions, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of the British legal system worldwide. Today's wigs are still handmade using traditional methods, primarily from horsehair, and can take up to 150 hours to create by specialist wig makers.

How It Works

The wig-wearing system operates through specific rules and traditions within the British court hierarchy. Different types of wigs indicate different legal roles: barristers wear shorter 'tie wigs' while judges and Queen's Counsel wear longer, fuller 'full-bottomed wigs' for ceremonial occasions and shorter 'bench wigs' for regular court proceedings. The process begins with wig makers who handcraft each piece using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Wigs are styled and maintained through regular powdering (historically with flour or starch) to maintain their distinctive white/grey appearance. In court proceedings, wigs are donned according to strict protocols - judges typically wear their wigs throughout hearings, while barristers may remove them during certain proceedings. The 2007 reforms by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips, significantly changed requirements, making wigs optional in civil and family courts but maintaining them in criminal courts to preserve the formality and gravity of criminal proceedings.

Why It Matters

The continued use of wigs in British courts serves multiple important functions in the modern legal system. First, they create a sense of formality and solemnity in courtrooms, particularly in criminal cases where serious matters are decided. The tradition promotes the principle of anonymity - by making lawyers appear more uniform, wigs theoretically help ensure judgments are based on legal arguments rather than personal appearance. This visual uniformity also reinforces the idea that lawyers represent the law itself rather than individual personalities. Internationally, the wigs have become iconic symbols of British justice, recognized worldwide as representing centuries of legal tradition. While controversial to some who view them as outdated, supporters argue they maintain important historical continuity and distinguish British courts from other legal systems. The compromise reached in 2007 - keeping wigs for criminal trials while making them optional elsewhere - reflects an ongoing balance between tradition and modernization in the justice system.