On changes to barristers’ dress
THE abolition of the centuries-old tradition of the barrister’s wig and gown would be more impressive if it had not been done because of the supposed cost of judges’ court dress.
It may well be time for the tradition to go, even though it does no harm and reminds us of our duties as professionals, but surely they could have dressed the decision up better (forgive the pun!).
In non-criminal work, there may be little justification for wearing wigs and gowns, so that one would not invent the tradition nowadays, but surely it did no harm.
The argument that it distances the barrister from the solicitor or client is not right; if the barrister is thought to be remote, it is probably because he or she is, rather than because the wig and gown create the wrong impression.
I always get the feeling that people in civil disputes quite like the quaintness and formality, particularly if the lawyers make sure that it is not a problem.
I shall be sorry to see them go.
My wig is over 100 years old; I bought if from a friend whose father had worn it, and it reminds me of the long and honourable tradition of the independent and honest barrister.
My gown is made of silk, and it reminds me that I have reached the summit of an advocate’s ambition.
What a shame to be wearing a boring dark suit, with no history or tradition.
Bill Braithwaite QC is a barrister at Exchange Chambers