Public call to drop wigs

COURT DRESS: dressing-down for dressing-up lobby in Lord Chancellor's Department survey

Solicitors have welcomed news that the government may soon bring an end to lawyers wearing wigs in court after research showed that almost two-thirds of the public want them consigned to the dustbin.

The Lord Chancellor's Department (LCD) launched a consultation on court working dress last week, following a survey of 2,000 people which showed that 64% were in favour of abandoning wigs because they are intimidating and old-fashioned.

More than one-third - 35% - also wanted to get rid of robes in favour of suits.

The 34% who backed the retention of wigs and robes supported them because they are more traditional and authoritative.

Respondents were most in favour of judges retaining their current dress; 47% voted for wigs and robes in civil proceedings and 36% for criminal trials.

Overall, the average rating given for how respondents would like professionals to dress in court - on a scale of one to seven, with seven being the most modern - was four.

The survey also found that 43% of court users found the experience intimidating, rising to 69% of victims.

LCD minister Baroness Scotland said the consultation was aimed at maintaining a suitable level of 'sobriety and solemnity' while ensuring that court users felt comfortable.

'We want to reflect the sort of ambience that will allow justice to be done,' she explained.

She added that any changes made would hinge on the opinion of the general public.

Law Society President Carolyn Kirby called for wigs to be abandoned so that all advocates would be viewed as equal.

'At the moment only barristers wear wigs; solicitors do not,' she said.

'QCs appear on the front bench and other advocates in the row behind.

This should cease as it can create a perception - among victims or defendants - that the other side's advocates have an advantage.'

Michael Caplan QC, chairman of the Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates, added that the key issue for the association is parity of dress, not what the dress is.

A Bar Council spokesman said: 'There is the feeling among the bar that there are more important issues - access to justice, trial by jury and court security - which should be addressed first.'

See Editorial, page 14

Paula Rohan