Who wears a wig in court?
Asked by: Mr. Louvenia Fahey | Last update: January 29, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (19 votes)
Judges and barristers (and some other advocates) wear wigs in certain higher courts, especially in criminal cases in the UK, as a symbol of tradition, authority, formality, and anonymity, though they are optional or not worn in many civil and family law cases and in some other jurisdictions. The wigs, historically made of horsehair, help separate the legal role from the person, creating solemnity and respect, with different styles for judges (bench wigs) and barristers (short or full-bottomed for ceremonial).
Who wears a wig in law?
Barristers have cited various reasons for why the tradition of hairpieces have endured over history, with this feature of required court dress being largely popular among many of the legal eagles.
Do any US judges wear wigs?
Eventually, though, wigs fell out of style in the US, and unlike in England, American judges and lawyers decided not to keep them.
What courts 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.
What's the point of Judge's wigs?
The wig was seen as a symbol of authority, and lawyers would wear their wigs in the courtroom, as well as outside of it, to show their status and power. Despite evidence suggesting some lawyers were hesitant to wear the wigs, by the end of King Charles II's reign wigs were fully accepted by judges.
Making Legal Wigs for British Courts
Are barrister wigs itchy or uncomfortable?
The English judicial costume is said to be itchy, unhygienic, and uncomfortable. It also doesn't always smell terrific. Group of Judges in Wigs The absurdity of English judicial attire has been a matter of note for quite some time.
What is the four finger rule for wigs?
The four-finger rule for wigs is a simple guideline to find the natural placement for your wig's hairline: place four fingers vertically above your eyebrows, with your pinky on your brow bone, and the top of your index finger indicates where the wig's front edge should sit, ensuring a proportionate and realistic look that isn't too far forward or back. It helps new wig wearers find the correct spot, especially if they have hair loss or no clear hairline.
Do judges wear anything 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.
Did Michael Jackson ever wear a wig?
The efforts to restore his hair failed; Jackson thereafter resolved to wear wigs.
Do barristers wash their wigs?
Ede and Ravenscroft suggests cleaning wigs every four to five years, while Thresher and Glenny recommends every 25 to 30 years. "The longer you leave it, the better it is," says Hill. The sweet smell of tradition!
Can I wear jeans to court?
Generally, you should avoid wearing jeans to court as it's seen as too casual and disrespectful, with most courts preferring business or business-casual attire like slacks, skirts, or khakis, and collared shirts to show respect for the legal process; however, some very local or minor proceedings might allow nice, dark, non-ripped jeans, but it's always safer to dress up to be on the conservative side, like for an important job interview, to avoid being excluded or making a bad impression.
Did King Charles II wear a wig?
Sketch of Charles II, 1660, showing his prematurely gray hair, by Samuel Cooper. This sketch was to be the basis for royal coinage. Charles began wearing wigs in 1663 to cover up his gray hair.
What's the difference between a wig and a peruke?
The French word for wig, perruque, was spelled “peruke” by the English. That was altered into “perwyck” and then to “periwig”, which was shortened into “wig”. Sometimes a peruke was a particular kind of wig, with long hair down the back and the sides, but colonial Americans used wig and peruke interchangeably.
What happens to your hair when you wear wigs all the time?
Wearing wigs is a common practice for style, convenience, or personal preference. While wigs themselves don't directly cause hair loss, prolonged use, improper fitting, or friction can lead to a condition called traction alopecia. With regular care, breaks from wearing, and proper fitting, these risks can be mitigated.
In what country do they wear wigs in court?
In the United Kingdom, wigs came to symbolize the judge's authority in the legal system. The formality of the head attire infused the courtroom with a sense of order and solemnity. Barristers in English courts also wear wigs during court proceedings. In recent years this tradition has been reexamined.
What do female lawyers wear to court?
Pantsuits, skirt suits, or dresses are appropriate options for lawyers and other professionals in court. The skirt and dress length should be at or below the knee, and the pants should be tailored and not form-fitting. Opt for neutral, conservative colors like gray, navy, or beige.
What was the last word Michael Jackson said before he died?
Michael Jackson's final words before he died in 2009, as testified by his doctor Conrad Murray, were pleas for "milk," a nickname for the powerful anesthetic propofol, reportedly saying, "Can I have some milk?" or "Please, please give him some milk," as he couldn't sleep and needed it to rest for rehearsals.
What happened to Michael Jackson's real hair?
While filming a Pepsi commercial in 1984, pyrotechnics accidentally set Jackson's hair on fire. He was rushed to hospital and treated for second degree burns to the back of his head which scarred his hair follicles and left him with a major bald patch.
What is a Jheri curl?
A Jheri curl (or Jerry curl) is a popular 1980s chemical hairstyle for Black hair, creating loose, glossy, wet-looking curls through a two-step process of relaxing and then perming with rods, named for creator Jheri Redding and popularized by stars like Michael Jackson. It offered a low-maintenance, "wash-and-wear" alternative to relaxers, though its signature shine came from activators that could stain clothes.
What rank are judges in the military?
b) The military judge shall hold the rank of Major or above.
What color do judges like to see in court?
Judges generally prefer neutral, conservative colors like navy, gray, black, and white, as these convey seriousness, respect, and professionalism, avoiding distractions in a formal court setting; bright colors, bold patterns, and overly casual attire should be avoided to show you're taking the proceedings seriously. While some suggest lighter, muted tones (like light blue) might leave a favorable impression, the key is sobriety and fitting in, not standing out.
Who is allowed to wear a wig in court?
In the Court of Appeal you wear your wig. In the Supreme Court you don't. In the High and County Courts it's a different story depending on the occasion. For example, in the Chancery Division of the High Court, you only wear a wig in a trial or appeal, but in the Administrative Court it's all the time.
What does 5 * 5 mean in wigs?
The "5x5" refers to the size of the lace, which is 5 inches by 5 inches. This size is considered a medium size and is often used for hairstyles that require a medium-sized closure to create a natural-looking hairline.
How to tell if someone has a wig on?
To tell if someone's wearing a wig, check for an unnatural hairline with a perfect edge or visible cap, unnatural shine or stiffness, a lack of natural variation in texture/color, or if the hair moves rigidly instead of flowing, though high-quality lace fronts can be hard to spot without a close look at the scalp or by seeing visible knots/glue. Poorly fitted wigs might sit too high or have mismatched scalp color, while body language like constant head-touching can also be a clue.
What type of wig lasts the longest?
They are more expensive, less lightweight, and require more maintenance and time for styling. Human hair wigs have the longest lifespan of any wig fiber type, often lasting beyond a year depending on how often they are worn and how well they are maintained.