Why do attorneys use wigs as part of their disguises? If the answer to that question is yes, then you've found the right place. In this brief piece, I'll go through a few of the reasons why attorneys continue to wear wigs even in modern times. So that you don't miss any of the information on this page, read this article attentively. To fit in with the times, attorneys began wearing wigs in courtrooms all around the country during the 19th and 20th centuries. In general, it can be said that its roots may be traced back to the fashion industry.
Why Do Attorneys Wear Wigs – History Attorneys Wearing Wigs
Until the 17th century, attorneys were expected to appear in court with clean, short hair and a beard. Judges in pictures going back to the early 1680s still have their natural hair and no wigs. As soon as Charles 11 of the United Kingdom returned from France in 1660, English society, especially barristers, swiftly embraced the custom of wearing a periwig and maintained it for the remainder of the century. Back in the day, wigs were worn for a wide range of additional purposes outside just changing one's appearance.
What's the point of wearing wigs?
Some others used wigs to hide the fact that they were losing their hair. People who wore wigs, which were costly, were usually well-off, as was the case with Louis XIV and his court.
Many individuals in those days donned wigs to hide the fact that they had shaved their heads due to an epidemic of head lice and other ailments. In addition, during the reign of King George 111 (1760-1820), wigs began to decline in popularity. Bishops, coachmen, and members of the legal profession were the most common wearers of these hats during their peak in the late nineteenth century. Despite the fact that it was becoming less trendy for people to wear wigs, attorneys and judges still saw it as a way to set themselves apart from the rest of society, and so they continued to do so.
There is an emerging trend among judges and attorneys to wear wigs, arguing that it provides an air of respectability to the proceedings. This is the most convincing reason to wear them, according to Washington, DC attorney Kevin Newton (wigs). There are many who say that wearing Bobo Wigs represents anonymity, an effort to remove the user from having an emotional connection to an issue or even an attempt to visibly underline the superiority of law over other factors.
Baron Philips of Worth Matravers, Lord Chief Justice of the United Kingdom, presided over a case in 2007 that questioned the practice of wearing a virgin hair wholesale in court. It was decided that wigs would no longer be allowed to be worn in civil or family court hearings after the case. However, wigs and robes will continue to be used in criminal proceedings.
In the great majority of nations with a common wealth, the wearing of wigs and gowns in court is still permissible. Nigeria is a good example. While all attorneys and judges in Nigeria are required to wear wigs during court sessions, they wear different colors depending on which court they are presiding over. As an example, attorneys are not compelled to wear wigs and gowns while pursuing a case in the magistrate's court. When it comes to other courts, starting with the supreme court, the entire wig and gown is necessary.
The wearing of wigs has been criticized by certain attorneys.
A number of academicians have voiced their displeasure with wigs, and they have campaigned for their removal.
It is clear that it was a colonial settlement
Nearly 50 years have passed since the colonialists departed Africa, but it seems they didn't take their wigs with them. Lawyers' and judges' wigs, for example, are regarded colonial relics in the African community since they aren't made in Africa. At a time when Africa is attempting to break free of colonial influences, many authors have voiced their fury that one of the most advanced institutions in the world is still following in the footsteps of colonialists.
Unpleasantness
Wigs have also been criticized for being uncomfortable for the individual wearing them, an argument that has been raised in the past. High temperatures on the African continent necessitate the wearing of wigs by lawyers and judges, which is illogical and unsuitable in the context of their job.
The condition of being unclean
As for their attitude to the job, some lawyers are so chaotic that they need an eye saw to see their gowns. Because the so-called wig sellers are white if they aren't well maintained the wig shows through. This is the scariest component of this treatment." A lack of adequate care for wigs has resulted in a backlash against the profession as a whole.