The most obvious difference is that unlike justices in most of the Commonwealth, Canadian judges do not wear wigs. Barrister Wig. We’ve all had our own fashion faux pas, but spare a thought for the ‘in crowd’ of the 17th Century. In the early 1680s, judicial portraits still showed a natural, no-wig look. The habit persists, though. In addition, there are two long strips of hair that hang down below the hairline on the neck and sport a looped curl at each end. Barristers must wear a wig slightly frizzed at the crown, with horizontal curls on the sides and back. Wigs, when not used to cover syphilis-related hair loss, were a big help for those who had lice. Long hair was all the rage, and premature balding was a dead giveaway that someone had contracted syphilis. Initially, when the English barristers started wearing wigs, it was only to maintain style. They followed uninterruptedly wearing the wigs as it was not stopped by anyone. Wearing a headgear of some sort has been a prevalent practice, in the legal profession in the UK even before the introduction of wigs. It’s a full wig, from a slightly frizzed top that transitions into tight horizontal curls that range several inches below the shoulders. A judge’s full-length wig can cost more than $3,000, while the shorter ones worn by barristers cost more than $500. Lawyers appearing at the UK's highest court will no longer have to wear the traditional wig and gown. Lawyers across the various legal jurisdictions of the UK have worn gowns and wigs since at least the 17th century, with their use being formalised in English common law in the 1840s. 5 Answers. … What's the Difference Between England, the U.K. and Great Britain? THE AMAZING HISTORY OF WIGS: WIGS THEN AND HOW, The Best Hairstyles for Women With Baby Fine Hair, Why opting for wigs over weaves means you’re right on track, Reasons (And Styles) Indian Wig is So Popular. A barrister is a lawyer who specializes in courtroom advocacy and litigation. There have also been arguments that wearing a wig allows a visual separation between the law and those before it. We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By the 1820s, wigs had gone out of fashion but coachmen, bishops and those in the legal profession continued to wear them. “In fact, that is the overwhelming point for having them,” says Kevin Newton, a Washington, D.C.-based lawyer who studied law at the University of London. But solicitors do not normally wear wigs, barristers in the magistrates court do not wear wigs (including criminal magistrates) Judge's in the magistrates court don't normally wear them either. For 150 years, the legal wig was usually white or grey. Why do British judges and lawyers wear wigs? Why do British lawyers wear wigs? In America, strangers line up to enter courtrooms as spectators of high-profile proceedings. A judge’s wig is similar, but more ornate. An open-fronted gown with open sleeves over a black or dark suit with a short horsehair wig with curls at the side. The window of London wigmaking shop Ede & Ravenscroft displays a variety of perukes. Answer Save. But why do barristers wear wigs in the UK? Mon - Fri 9:00 to 17:00 GMT. By 1685, however, full, shoulder-length wigs had become part of the proper court dress. Blame it on syphilis. In the mid-17th century, a balding scalp was considered as a sign that someone had contracted syphilis. Wigs began to catch on in the late 16th century when an increasing number of people in Europe were contracting the STD. Anonymous. Or take our fun quiz: Which Fierce Female Judge Are You? The judges wear the bench wig for general court duties or daily courtroom proceedings.