Though the thought of a stodgy aging man snatching the wig off his head and taking off hoop earrings (or dangly bamboo) does conjure up thoughts of a gender bending knock-down-drag-out alley fight; alas that’s not what’s making the headlines.
Since the 17th century, british lawyers and judges wore white wigs, colorful judgy robes, and winged collars. Citing the price of wigs (US$800 to US$3000 according to Reuters) and the sheer fuddy-duddy-ness of it all, there has been a push to abolish the uniform. Announced Thursday Jul 12, the lads of law take their wigs off and slim their wardrobes down to one simple dress… err gown. Naturally, (as in what seems to be all British arenas of life) there is an opposition group who claim that the fancy dress exudes power and authority.
Happily, a compromise was struck and the ceremonial vestments will be donned in criminal courts. I say happily because despite our pay-to-play, litigious, “if it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” American legal system, we can boast that we don’t kowtow the artifice of wig-cum-respectus.
Reuters link here
