Do judges still wear wigs in England?

Author: Winifred Shields  |  Last update: Friday, October 3, 2025

Answer: No, not all judges in the UK wear wigs. The use of wigs varies depending on the court and the level of formality. While judges in higher courts like the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal often wear wigs, those in lower courts, such as county courts, may choose not to wear them.

Why do British judges wear wigs?

British lawyers follow the tradition of wearing head wigs, which is regarded as a symbol of power and respect for the law. In fact, not wearing a wig is perceived as an insult to the courts. British lawyers and judges wear wigs to portray their formality in the courtroom and to pay homage to legal history.

Do judges still wear wigs in the US?

While George Washington didn't wear a wig, he did powder his hair to get a similar look, but many other Founding Fathers were wig wearers, including Thomas Jefferson and James Maddison. Eventually, though, wigs fell out of style in the US, and unlike in England, American judges and lawyers decided not to keep them.

Why does the British Parliament still wear wigs?

In Britain, the wigs (originally normal wear for all manner of ``clerks'' including clergymen) were retained in the higher courts to mark out the barristers (and of course the judges) from those not entitled to speak such as mere solicitors. Getting a wig is a mark of passage into the profession.

What countries judges wear wigs?

In countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, judges and lawyers still wear the British-style judicial wigs that were imposed on them by the colonial rulers.

Making Legal Wigs for British Courts

What do female judges wear under their robes?

Under men's judicial robes, judges usually wear white shirts with neckties. Under female judiciary robes, women may usually wear blouses. But in the summer, it's not unheard of for judges to wear golf shirts, casual t-shirts, and then they just put their judicial robes over the clothes.

Do female barristers wear wigs?

Wigs (for counsel) are only worn on ceremonial occasions such as when newly qualified barristers are called to the Bar. No gowns are ordinarily worn by the judges of the Court of Appeal of New Zealand or Supreme Court of New Zealand.

Do Australian judges still wear wigs?

Legal dress worn in Australian courts is based on the English system. Although most judges and barristers in this country still wear the wigs and gowns, some courts have dispensed with them. High Court judges shed their wigs a decade ago, but lawyers appearing before them still wear the curly headgear.

When did Englishmen stop wearing wigs?

By 1765, wig-wearing went out of fashion except for some occupational groups such as coachmen and lawyers. During this period, people tended to simply wear their natural hair, styled and powdered to resemble a wig.

Do Canadian judges wear wigs?

In Canada, court attire is very similar to what is worn in England, except that wigs are not worn. Specifically, bar jackets are worn under gowns, and Queen's Counsel and judges have more elaborate cuffs than other lawyers.

When did Americans stop wearing wigs?

However, by the time of the American Revolution, wigs were out, replaced by a trend for powdering one's natural hair. While it's true that wigs were a major status symbol early in the second half of the 18th century, by 1800 short, natural hair was all the rage.

What are British attorneys called?

solicitor, one of the two types of practicing lawyers in England and Wales—the other being the barrister, who pleads cases before the court.

How much do barristers earn in the UK?

Self-employed barristers with more than ten years' experience earn between £100,000 to £300,000 depending on their area of practice. A small percentage of barristers at the top end of the profession earn between £500,000 to £1million. Employed barristers can expect to earn from £90,000 to in excess of £150,000.

What is a full-bottomed wig?

Originally, the wigs worn in courtrooms were full-bottomed, which would typically extend down past the neck at the back and sides and sit over the shoulders. Now, the full-bottomed wig is only used as ceremonial dress.

Why do some Scottish barristers not wear wigs?

Wigs and gowns can be cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear, and there is also the issue of expense – a horsehair bar wig can cost upwards of £500, and the Scottish Courts Service apparently spent £6,300 last year on wigs and gowns for court staff.

Why did Queen Charlotte wear big wigs?

The wigs aren't solely an aesthetic choice, either. They're “part of the storytelling,” Rosheuvel told Netflix. As Queen Charlotte grows into becoming the imposing matriarch we know from Bridgerton, fashion helps to create the regal aura around her.

Did they wear wigs in Downton Abbey?

With a [bigger] film budget, we were able to go to three of the best wig companies to have bespoke wigs made for all our leading ladies, and toupees for some male actors. We spent a lot of time making sure everyone had natural, glowing skin, while still staying true to 1927 time period.

Do wigs come from horse hair?

Initially crafted from a variety of materials including horsehair, human hair, wool, feathers, buffalo hair, or even synthetics, wigs were more than just a fashion statement—they were practical solutions to a myriad of hair-related challenges.

Do judges wear wigs in Ireland?

(b) a black gown of uniform nature and material with sleeves bearing dark red double ribbon banding and a single white neck tab. (2) A Judge shall not be required to wear a wig of a ceremonial type during such sittings.

Why do Scottish judges have red crosses on their robes?

An exception is when they are hearing evidence from witnesses in first instance cases when they will wear a crimson robe with darker red crosses. The crosses on the robes are relics of rosettes and ribbons that formerly held the gown together, but are now simply decoration.

Do female British judges wear wigs?

Answer: No, not all judges in the UK wear wigs. The use of wigs varies depending on the court and the level of formality. While judges in higher courts like the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal often wear wigs, those in lower courts, such as county courts, may choose not to wear them.

Does Amal Clooney wear a wig in court?

But there's one accessory in her wardrobe that took some getting used to: the traditional horsehair wig required for her barrister position. “You get it when you're a really junior lawyer making no money.

Why do the English wear white wigs in court?

A Desire for Uniformity. Like the robes the lawyers wear, the wigs are worn as a symbol of anonymity, Newton said. The wigs are part of a uniform that create a visual separation between the law and those being brought up before it.

Why do judges wear black robes?

The simple black robe has quite a tradition as the "uniform" of justice in the United States and California. That black robe links judges together as we interpret and apply the law in hundreds of courtrooms throughout the state.

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