Why do judges and lawyers wear wigs in British courts?

Senior Moments

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/newsid_213000/213250.stm gives some interesting info. May 20 02, 8:56 PM

Barrow boy

In the past the call for clothing reform in the courts has benn raised many times, but the traditionalists still hold sway. As a citizen of the UK, what the judges and lawyers wear in court is to me absolutely trivial. What I want from the courts is justice. I don't want people being found not guilty when they are, and even more I don't want people serving prison sentences when they are innocent. If the end of the twenty first century finds them all still wearing wigs, but we have a just, equitable and modern legal system, then you can be sure that the British will be happy with their lot. May 21 02, 4:05 PM

Brad

Actually, it has been an issue raised by many people over here in the UK. But the main reason we keep it is that there is this stupid view that we have that we should judge the accused on how good their case is, and not how 'flash' their lawyers look. The wigs are in place so everybody looks the same and the jury is NOT influenced by the appearance of the lawyers, and focuses more on what is being said. May 21 02, 4:57 PM

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