Menu
01/10/2008
Horse Hair Today, New Gowns Tomorrow For Judges
As autumn winds begin to breeze through the UK, some judges in England and Wales may feel the chill slightly more - on the top of their heads.
From today, white horsehair wigs - traditionally worn by UK judges - will be abandoned, dawning a new dress code for the judiciary.
However, the simpler dress style will only apply to judges presiding over civil and family cases.
Those hearing criminal cases will still wear the 17th Century attire.
The government has recommended new plain black robes and bare heads for civil and family judges - a move supported by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Philips.
Lord Philips, head of the court system in England and Wales, sanctioned the amendments in order to modernise the courts - amid discontentment within the legal profession.
Wigs were the epitome of fashion during the 17th Century, a trend that filtered into the courtroom.
The coarse headgear soon became an emblem of the British legal system.
Traditionalists have argued the wigs gave judges authority and impartiality.
Commentators have also insisted on the virtues of providing the judiciary with some level of anonymity - by covering part of their heads.
Barrister and author of 'Rumpole of the Bailey', John Mortimer, has strongly opposed the changes.
He previously wrote: "The idea's ridiculous! A barrister without his wig would be like a doctor without a stethoscope."
Last year a Ministry of Justice survey last year found 70% of court workers wanted to keep wigs, compared to 42% of the public.
Some have suggested the wigs are a hangover from the past, which can intimidate people in court.
(PR/JM)
From today, white horsehair wigs - traditionally worn by UK judges - will be abandoned, dawning a new dress code for the judiciary.
However, the simpler dress style will only apply to judges presiding over civil and family cases.
Those hearing criminal cases will still wear the 17th Century attire.
The government has recommended new plain black robes and bare heads for civil and family judges - a move supported by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Philips.
Lord Philips, head of the court system in England and Wales, sanctioned the amendments in order to modernise the courts - amid discontentment within the legal profession.
Wigs were the epitome of fashion during the 17th Century, a trend that filtered into the courtroom.
The coarse headgear soon became an emblem of the British legal system.
Traditionalists have argued the wigs gave judges authority and impartiality.
Commentators have also insisted on the virtues of providing the judiciary with some level of anonymity - by covering part of their heads.
Barrister and author of 'Rumpole of the Bailey', John Mortimer, has strongly opposed the changes.
He previously wrote: "The idea's ridiculous! A barrister without his wig would be like a doctor without a stethoscope."
Last year a Ministry of Justice survey last year found 70% of court workers wanted to keep wigs, compared to 42% of the public.
Some have suggested the wigs are a hangover from the past, which can intimidate people in court.
(PR/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 May 2006
Anti-war protest placards removed from Parliament
Police have removed anti-war placards, which were part of a five-year vigil by peace activist Brian Haw, from outside the Houses of Parliament. Police removed the placards belonging to Mr Haw in the early hours of Tuesday morning, leaving him with just one placard.
Anti-war protest placards removed from Parliament
Police have removed anti-war placards, which were part of a five-year vigil by peace activist Brian Haw, from outside the Houses of Parliament. Police removed the placards belonging to Mr Haw in the early hours of Tuesday morning, leaving him with just one placard.
08 April 2013
Sandiford Loses Death Sentence Appeal
Lindsay Sandiford has lost an appeal against her death sentence in Bali. The 56-year-old Briton was convicted of drug trafficking last year. A Bali High Court spokesman confirmed the court on the Indonesian island upheld the sentence handed down to Ms Sandiford in January.
Sandiford Loses Death Sentence Appeal
Lindsay Sandiford has lost an appeal against her death sentence in Bali. The 56-year-old Briton was convicted of drug trafficking last year. A Bali High Court spokesman confirmed the court on the Indonesian island upheld the sentence handed down to Ms Sandiford in January.
08 October 2010
Delays For Asbestos Victims
More delays are now expected for asbestos victims after appeal judges referred their compensation claims to the Supreme Court. Judges were unable to agree on a High Court ruling that insurers are liable for damages from when the victims were exposed to asbestos.
Delays For Asbestos Victims
More delays are now expected for asbestos victims after appeal judges referred their compensation claims to the Supreme Court. Judges were unable to agree on a High Court ruling that insurers are liable for damages from when the victims were exposed to asbestos.
05 September 2007
Judge Calls For Complete DNA Database
A senior British judge has called for everyone in the UK and every visitor to be added to the national DNA database. Lord Justice Sedley, one of England's most experienced Appeal Court judges, told the BBC that the current database in England and Wales, which contains DNA from suspects and crime scenes, was "indefensible".
Judge Calls For Complete DNA Database
A senior British judge has called for everyone in the UK and every visitor to be added to the national DNA database. Lord Justice Sedley, one of England's most experienced Appeal Court judges, told the BBC that the current database in England and Wales, which contains DNA from suspects and crime scenes, was "indefensible".
04 May 2005
Pellet gun teacher freed
The Court of Appeal has freed Linda Walker, the teacher who was jailed for firing a pellet gun during an argument with a group of youths. The 48-year-old special needs teacher from Urmston, Greater Manchester received a six month jail sentence after being convicted of affray and possessing a firearm on March 29.
Pellet gun teacher freed
The Court of Appeal has freed Linda Walker, the teacher who was jailed for firing a pellet gun during an argument with a group of youths. The 48-year-old special needs teacher from Urmston, Greater Manchester received a six month jail sentence after being convicted of affray and possessing a firearm on March 29.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
