What countries wear wigs in court?
Asked by: Carroll Kuhlman PhD | Last update: December 11, 2025Score: 5/5 (9 votes)
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.
What countries use wigs in court?
They are so old-fashioned and so uncomfortable, that even British barristers have stopped wearing them. But in former British colonies — Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Malawi and others — they live on, worn by judges and lawyers.
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.
Do any courts still 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.
Why do the British still wear wigs in court?
The once-fashionable wigs symbolised tradition and continuity within the British legal system as the years passed. They became more than mere accessories; they represented the enduring authority of the courts. The legal profession embraced this tradition and has endured to this day.
What judges wear around the world
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.
Who wears wigs in court in Scotland?
When Supreme Courts judges wear formal dress, they wear a wig and robe. In the High Court, judges wear a white robe with red crosses. In the Court of Session, judges normally do not wear formal dress.
Do judges wear wigs in Ireland?
Judges' robes and mode of address to the judges
(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.
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 do judges wear under their robes?
However, judges and prosecutors always wear white shirts and white neckties under their robes, as is customary for lawyers in criminal cases.
Why do lawyers in Canada wear robes?
In the 1300s robes were worn by scholars at universities and aristocrats attending the royal court. When lawyers were granted the right to appear in law courts they wore robes or gowns as a symbol of that privilege.
Do Indian judges wear wigs?
Wigs are still worn during criminal trials; however, some people want it to be removed. There has been no successful attempt to date, and this tradition continues to prevail. However, this custom is not prevalent in India as of today.
Why does judge Judy wear a purple robe?
Judge Judy hasn't been an actual Judge for decades. On her show, she acts as an arbitrator for people who have agreed to arbitration rather than appearing in real court. As such, her robes can be any color she wants. Actual judges traditionally wear black to reflect the solemnity of their office.
Do judges in New Zealand wear wigs?
In the mid 1990's Chief Justice Sir Thomas Eichelbaum decided that wigs would no longer be worn in New Zealand courts. For ceremonial occasions senior judges would still wear the 'Reds' with the long wig.
Do all female judges wear collars?
Although most male judges have forsaken collars for a necktie, some female judges, including the late US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, continue to wear collars of different styles.
Do British judges wear wigs?
They are also no longer required in the UK Supreme Court. However, wigs are still a requirement for criminal trials in the UK and, whilst the requirement of wigs in the courtroom seems to be in decline around the world, many law practitioners in the UK still take pride in wearing them.
What is the dress code for a barrister?
the dress code is dark suits with a court shirt and bands, or a court shirt and collar with bands, or a collarette, and a barrister's gown.
What is the dress code for the Irish court?
There is no specific dress code, however normally people dress formally e.g. as you would to a job interview. How do I address the judge? You address the judge as 'judge', you also only speak when asked to do so.
What do French judges wear?
French high court judges traditionally wear bell-sleeve cloth or silk black gowns and heavy draped manteaus lined with rabbit fur. Over the coat, they also wear fur shoulder pieces upon which they hang national medals.
How much does a barrister charge in Hong Kong?
One partner at a leading international law firm cites figures of HK$6,000 to HK$12,000 an hour charged by elite barristers. When the case goes to trial there will be "refresher fees" of HK$60,000 to HK$120,000 a day. By comparison, a junior barrister might charge HK$2,500 an hour and HK$25,000 a day.
Why do judges wear black robes?
It is said that the black robe tradition started in England with the multi-year mourning of the death of Queen Mary II in 1694. In the federal system and in 49 states, the robe is black. The one outlier is the highest court of Maryland - the Maryland Court of Appeals - where the Justices wear red robes.
Why did the English wear wigs?
Bald patches were considered “undignified” and wigs soon became a very practical way of hiding those issues. England's King Charles II, who was a cousin of Louis XIV, was showing common symptoms of syphilis when he started to wear a wig. Almost by accident, wigs also solved another common 17th-century problem: lice.
What if you don't remember something in court?
If you do not know an answer, say so. Do not give attorneys answers you think they want. If you do not remember, say you don't remember – not that you do not know. Do not guess if you are not sure, unless you are instructed to give an estimate.
What to wear to court as a UK witness?
There are no other rules about what you should wear, but dress smartly if you can.