British lawyers wear wigs as part of a longstanding tradition that dates back to the 17th century. The wigs, known as perukes, serve several symbolic and practical purposes:
- They bring a sense of formality and solemnity to court proceedings, emphasizing the seriousness of the judicial process and leveling the playing field among barristers regardless of age or experience.
- The wig serves to anonymize and create a uniform appearance for barristers and judges, symbolizing that the law is impartial and that the wearer is a representative of the legal system rather than an individual with personal bias.
- The tradition originated during the reign of King Charles II when wigs became fashionable among the upper classes partly to hide the baldness caused by syphilis; the legal profession adopted the wig as a sign of status and authority.
- Despite wigs falling out of general fashion centuries ago, British courts retained the tradition as a symbol of the enduring legacy and dignity of the legal profession.
- Today, wigs are mostly worn by barristers and judges in criminal and higher courts, while in some civil courts their use is optional or discontinued.
Thus, British lawyers wear wigs largely as a continuation of historical tradition that conveys respect for the law, the equality of all barristers before the court, and the solemnity of judicial proceedings.
