As you can imagine, the horsehair wigs are scratchy, hot and
uncomfortable, and robes just as much. The wigs and
robes are also expensive,
costing at least a couple hundred pounds and up to the thousands for more ornate wigs and higher quality robes. Those who support the traditional garb say there are a few great
reasons for continuing wearing the wigs and gowns: it enforces a solemnity and authority of the law for criminals who otherwise devalue it; it keeps juries from favouritism based on a barrister’s dress, and it has the more practical benefit of helping disguise the courtroom players should any criminal try to find them for revenge.
However, in the past decade those who wish to move toward more 21st century-appropriate garb have been gaining ground, and there are now exceptions to the wig rule. Now, barristers need
not wear the traditional wig and gown when they stand before the supreme court or in civil or family cases; officials in family court still wear robes, but they’re much more simplified. Wigs are now only required in
criminal cases.
