Why do they wear wigs in Australian courts?
Asked by: Jermain Schneider V | Last update: September 16, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (31 votes)
Wearing a wig is believed to bring formality to proceedings and a sense of power and respect for the Court. It also helps distinguish judges from other members of society – both inside and outside the courtroom. All Judges in NSW wear a different wig and robe when presiding over a matter.
Why do Australian courts wear wigs?
Robes and wigs are symbolic of the anonymity and impartiality of the profession.
What is the point of wigs in Court?
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.
Who wears a wig in Court in Australia?
Criminal matters: Barristers traditionally wear robes and wigs in the District Court except on chambers matters. Barristers do not wear a wig if the judge appears without a wig at the outset. Ceremonial occasions: barristers wear robes and wigs; in the case of silk, full bottomed wigs are worn.
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.
Why do so many Black women wear wigs & weaves?
Do American judges wear wigs?
Neither the judges nor the lawyers wear wigs. Both judges and lawyers wear a long black robe termed as the 'gown'.
Why do Scottish judges wear red crosses?
Supreme Courts Judges
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.
Why do barristers not wear wigs in Western Australia?
Wigs were abandoned by the WA Supreme and District Courts for all civil matters in 1999. The Chief Justice said the Courts were vibrant, contemporary Australian institutions, and the changes reflected that fact.
Do judges wear wigs in Victoria?
7.7 The Chief Justice has resolved pursuant to s 9A of the Supreme Court Act 1986 that Judges of the Supreme Court of Victoria will not wear wigs except where a Judge presiding over a criminal jury trial considers it to be an exceptional case warranting the wearing of a judicial wig, the Judge may seek the express ...
What do lawyers wear to court in Australia?
Counsel will be expected to robe for all ceremonial sittings, judgments, trials and contested hearings in which oral evidence will be adduced. Barristers will robe wherever the Court is sitting (including all circuit locations). Counsel will not robe for mentions and interlocutory applications.
Which countries wear wigs in court?
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.
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 was the purpose of wearing white wigs?
The concept of the powdered wig emerged in France the mid 17th century. King Louis XIII was the man first responsible for the trend, as he wore a wig (original called "periwig") to cover his premature balding. As the trend began in royalty, they developed an upper-class, conservative status.
Do Canadian judges still 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.
Why did the British 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.
Does Parliament still wear wigs?
Clerks in wigs and long gowns. That's been the look of the chamber for years—but not for much longer. As the BBC reports, in a break with tradition, wigs are on their way out. The decision to do away with the hairpieces is that of John Bercow, who has served as Speaker of the House of Commons since 2009.
What are judge's wigs made of in Australia?
A traditionally designed Barrister's Wig, masterfully handcrafted using 100% fine quality horsehair.
Why did judges stop wearing wigs?
Opponents of wigs thought they were anachronistic, as well as uncomfortable and expensive. A shoulder-length ceremonial wig costs more than 1,500 pounds while the shorter ones worn by lawyers cost about 400 pounds each.
Do Australian lawyers have to 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.
Why do Europeans wear 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.
Who wears barrister wigs?
Barristers in England and Wales are known for their distinctive court attire, which includes a white powdered wig. This may seem like an odd fashion choice to modern audiences, but the wig is actually steeped in history and tradition.
What is the role of a judge in Australia?
Judges. Judges preside over court proceedings, either alone, as part of a panel or with a jury. Most importantly they are impartial decision-makers in the pursuit of justice. The judge provides an independent and impartial assessment of the facts and how the law applies to those facts.
What do 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.
Why do Scottish soldiers wear skirts?
After the defeat of the Jacobites in the second part of the 18th century, the British outlawed Scots from wearing kilts, although interest in them returned in the 19th century. The kilt was only saved by royal regiments, who were allowed to wear skirts in the 18th century as an exemption.
Can I refuse to be a witness in court in Scotland?
If you've been called as a witness, you'll normally be required to go to court on a specific date and time to give evidence during a trial. You must appear, and if you are unable to do so, please notify the person who cited you, either the procurator fiscal or the defence solicitors, to avoid contempt of court.