Why do British lawyers wear wigs
Since wearing wigs was influenced by British culture, it was not mandatory later, but many people like this habit. Many friends can see this phenomenon from some movies or TV series. When British judges appear in court, they will wear a small wig, and it is white. According to some relevant records in the UK, the reason why they applied to wear it is The purpose of wigs is to show the solemnity and rigorous sensitivity of lawyers. Over time, this has formed a habit. Whenever lawyers appear in court, they will wear a small hood. Next, they will give you a comprehensive analysis from different angles.
The reason why British judges and lawyers wear a set of wigs when they appear in court is influenced by British culture. In fact, this habit had already become popular in the 17th century. At that time, Louis XIII probably wore a wig because he was bald and didn't want to face the common people. Who knows that this behavior was criticized by some The minister liked it, so it has been quoted to this day. In fact, in the early days of wearing wigs, some people were not used to it because some people didn't like to wash wigs, so wigs appeared in the court. As time went by, various unpleasant smells came from the court, which made many people have to spray perfume in the court. No matter how they wear wigs, they have been left to this day. Although it is not mandatory, there are still many people who wear wigs in the court. People like to wear it on their heads.
The reason why British judges and lawyers wear wigs when they appear in court is to show their dignity and rigor. After all, this custom has existed since ancient times. Many judges have been accustomed to wearing wigs. In the minds of many people, people who wear wigs are relatively capable people and they have a high social status. Therefore, if you see them in court, People who wear wigs will feel that they are very solemn and rigorous, thereby demonstrating the reputation of the law.
Why was wearing this kind of wig popular in the first place?
Wigs became popular in the late 16th century. At that time, more and more people in Europe were infected with sexually transmitted diseases, which caused symptoms such as rashes, blindness, dementia, ulcers, and hair loss. Hair problems are particularly acute in social circles. In addition to covering hair loss caused by sexually transmitted diseases, wigs also play a great role in treating lice patients. After all, dealing with lice in your hair is a lot more troublesome than disinfecting a wig.
Soon, nobles and those who wished to maintain a good social status began to wear wigs. But in the early 1680s, judicial dress codes still suggested a natural, wigless appearance. However, by 1685, shawl hair had become part of court attire.
Over time, wigs fell out of fashion throughout society, and during the reign of King George III of England from 1760-1820, they were worn by only a handful of bishops, coachmen, and members of the legal profession. By the 1830s, bishops were allowed to stop wearing wigs. The courts, on the other hand, preserved the centuries-old tradition of wearing wigs.
By 2007, a new dress code largely eliminated the requirement for lawyers to wear wigs. Lawyers no longer need to wear wigs when appearing in family or civil courts or the UK Supreme Court. However, wigs are still used in criminal cases.
In the UK and Ireland, judges were exempt from wearing wigs until 2011. In other former British colonies, such as Canada, wigs were discontinued in the 19th and 20th centuries. In Jamaica, lawyers and judges are only required to wear wigs when attending ceremonies.
But the tradition remains. A well-known Hong Kong lawyer said: "Maybe this tradition is a bit cumbersome, but I think wearing wigs has a symbolic meaning. I feel that Hong Kong may be the last place where wigs and robes are worn.