Is it time to ditch the horsehair?

There could soon be rejoicing in the streets around Chancery Lane as the purveyors of fine horsehair perukes celebrate what could be a considerable expansion in their potential market.For soon the 1,000-plus solicitor high court advocates could increase wig-makers' turnover by more than 10%.Barristers in this country wear outfits that went out of fashion not long after the reign of George III.

There are now suggestions after a consultation by the Lord Chief Justice that solicitor-advocates will be allowed to wear similar dress when appearing in the higher courts.The current position - with barristers potentially seen by juries as senior advocates by virtue of their wigs and gowns - is unfair on solicitor-advocates, and ultimately untenable.

It is only right that clients are represented by advocates who are perceived to be equals.However, there is a wider issue of whether, in the 21st century, we need to dress advocates and judges in 18th-century garb.

The argument that antiquated court dress provides advocates with a degree of anonymity is a fairly thin one.

Likewise, solemnity should be accorded to the proceedings through what the advocates say as opposed to what they wear.Perhaps we should wish for only short lived celebrations among wig manufacturers, as in the end court dress should be totally modernised.