Why do english lawyers wear wigs

Overview

The tradition of English lawyers wearing wigs, known as perukes, originated in the 17th century when wigs became fashionable among European aristocracy, particularly after King Louis XIV of France popularized them to conceal his baldness. In England, King Charles II, who reigned from 1660 to 1685, adopted wigs upon his return from exile in France, making them a status symbol among the upper classes. By the 1680s, judges and barristers began wearing wigs in court to align with this fashion and project authority and dignity. The practice was solidified in the 18th century, with specific styles emerging: full-bottomed wigs for ceremonial occasions and smaller, more practical wigs for daily use. Over time, wigs evolved into symbols of the legal profession's formality and tradition, distinguishing lawyers from the general public. Despite changes in fashion, the legal system retained wigs as part of judicial dress, reflecting a commitment to historical continuity. In the 20th and 21st centuries, debates over their relevance led to reforms, but wigs remain a distinctive feature in certain courts, embodying centuries of legal heritage.

How It Works

Wigs in the English legal system are worn according to strict protocols and rules. Judges and barristers don different types of wigs based on their roles and the court setting. For example, judges in higher courts wear bench wigs, which are longer and more elaborate, while barristers wear shorter barrister wigs. The wigs are made from horsehair, a material chosen for its durability and ability to hold shape, and are handcrafted by specialist wig makers, a process that can take up to 150 hours per wig. In court, wigs are worn during proceedings to maintain a sense of formality and anonymity, helping to depersonalize the legal process and emphasize the rule of law over individual identity. The Judicial Dress Rules, updated periodically, govern when and where wigs must be worn; for instance, they are mandatory in criminal courts like the Crown Court but optional in many civil cases since 2007. Lawyers typically wear wigs over their own hair, secured with pins, and they are stored in special boxes when not in use. This system ensures consistency and tradition across the legal profession, with wigs serving as both practical attire and symbolic tools.

Why It Matters

The wearing of wigs by English lawyers matters because it reinforces the authority, tradition, and impartiality of the legal system. Symbolically, wigs create a sense of formality and distance, helping to depersonalize court proceedings and focus on the law rather than individual personalities. This can enhance public perception of fairness and objectivity, as lawyers and judges appear as representatives of an ancient institution. Practically, wigs contribute to a uniform dress code that distinguishes legal professionals in court, aiding in identification and respect for judicial roles. However, the tradition has faced criticism for being outdated and costly, with wigs priced at hundreds of pounds, leading to reforms like the 2007 changes that reduced their use in civil cases. Despite this, wigs remain significant in criminal courts, where they uphold a sense of gravity and continuity. Their persistence highlights the balance between modernizing the legal system and preserving historical customs that define English law's unique character.