Why do judges wear robes?

Juana asked: Why do judges wear robes? Is this still a requirement or a tradition? In the western world, most of us want judges to wear robes when they sit behind the bench in court. They usually don't disappoint people. But we seldom think about how this usually black robe became the standard dress for men and women presiding over criminal and civil cases in court. This tradition began in England about 700 years ago. During the reign of Edward II (1327 to 1377), robes became the standard uniform of British judges. So far, they have become the standard clothes in academic circles for more than a century (see: Why do graduates wear hats and dresses). For example, at this point, this kind of clothing is also suitable for visiting the royal court, so it is not inappropriate for judges to wear robes outside the court.

At this time, the judge's standard robe has three colors: violet in summer, green in winter and scarlet in special occasions. Judges often receive these robes as part of the king's reward. The last time green robes were mentioned was in 1534, and the new guidelines appeared in 1635, which stipulated which robes could be worn at a specific time. The new guidelines suggest that judges wear black robes in winter, purple or scarlet robes in summer and pink taffeta decorations.

Historians believe that only the transition of black robes may have begun in Britain in the second half of the17th century. However, it is still unclear what caused this change, although a popular theory links the black robe with the mourning period after the death of the monarch. Some historians claim that the funeral of Queen Mary in 1694 helped to consolidate the black robe that had been worn as a typical costume, while others point out that the death of charles ii in 1685 was the beginning of this tradition, and additional guidelines guiding judges to wear black robes appeared in the middle of18th century. At that time, British judges usually wore scarlet robes, black scarves and scarlet headscarves when trying criminal cases. But for civil cases, they often wear black silk robes.

When presiding over legal proceedings, whether in civil or criminal cases, judges in American colonies inherited the tradition of British people wearing robes. The colonists won the American Revolution and formed their own * * *, which caused a debate between Thomas Jefferson and john adams. Jefferson believed that American judges should stay away from the British tradition and wear only suits in court. Lawyer ADAMS disagrees with this statement. He hoped that the judges would continue to wear the robes and wigs of British judges. Then a compromise was reached and it was decided that the new American judge should wear robes instead of wigs.

American judges continue to wear robes in court, although they are not required to wear robes. Even in the Supreme Court of the United States, judges do not need to wear robes in court. But because of this tradition, perhaps it is something unique in the court and a sign of authority, which judges continue to wear. Judges have been wearing robes for more than 700 years. Sandra Day-O 'Connor, a former deputy justice of the Supreme Court, admits that wearing a robe may be just a traditional problem, but she likes what it symbolizes. "This shows that all our judges are committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law ... we have the same responsibility."

In other words, judges always wear their robes or stick to the traditional black robes. Judge Shandiya L Simpson of Manhattan, new york, admitted that sometimes she would give up her robe altogether and wear a lime suit instead. Even though she wears a robe, she doesn't always button all the buttons. She occasionally speaks with an accent. She is wearing a scarf or necklace. Bruce Allen, a judge of the New York Supreme Court, usually takes off his robe when sitting on the bench. He usually wears it only when a jury is present in court.

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