Why do British judges wear wigs?

Question

Definitely · Accepted Answer

Because a long time ago when I wasn't around, the world had issues when sexually transmitted diseases which would make people go bald and lice. In the court that way especially problematic, as anyone that was losing hair was suspected of those things, this being bad because some diseases could cause dementia. So they used wigs to deal with the surface of the issue and it became a fashion thing. People found that "sexy" as you would call it now. It eventually became a symbol of formality and even after the issue got fixed, it still survived for some reason and became tradition in court. I think it's but actually required anymore to wear a wig, but they still do it

MrHopper · Accepted Answer

It comes with the robes and i think its based on the idea that the lawyers/judges all look the same and its not down to who has the best suit or nicest hair cut... also possible that when it was introduced diseases and lice were rampant so people in these seats of law and order needed to look the best they could, rather than bald. I dont think its necessary now as the law has changed and they can wear what they want (within reason) but i suspect some keep it going as a tradition

Wonderer89 · Accepted Answer

It’s meant to level the playing field, that the words being said and not the appearance of the person are taken into account with clothes or hair. It formalises the setting but historically wigs were worn to cover poor hygiene (and lice) and illness’ particularly syphilis which caused hair loss 😅

jennifer_bloom · Accepted Answer

I think they do it to present an aesthetic and traditional image so that they can be viewed as a continuation of timeless habits and not a transient and temporal expression of an ever changing society.

SentientBrick · Answer

To protect their scalps from flying snakes. Fyi : flying snakes are invasive speices common britian. In addition to flying they can breath fire and teleport one inch in any direction (flying snakes are from Australia if you couldent already tell). The wigs are worn because old people smell is very similar the the phermones released by flying snakes during their mating season. Remember kids, knowledge is power 😉 !

Bananaman177 · Answer

I think they do it as a tribute to Pink Floyd:

John1972 · Answer

Because there bald!!! Sorry I felt the need to throw that I'm the mix. The peruke or powdered wig was worn for formally. But now they have stopped wearing the peruke in all non criminal cases and believe it soon to be gone from criminal proceedings also.

lightbulb27 · Answer

for that matter, Scot's wear kilts... skirts! I don't know, it's an outfit in general, maybe makes them feel special and smart like forefathers. It's all white men... just an observation.

I favor the judge being naked. Lets just break things down to humanity so nobody seems better than the other. Whoever is in better shape gets to be the judge... mentally and phyisically!

xyz94 · Answer

It's an age old tradition. The grey wig was intended to make the judge appear older, and therefore authoritative. Some British barristers (trial lawyers) also wear a wig in certain courts, historically for the same reason.

Source: I am a lawyer.

GhettoGirl · Answer

It's like "the Emporers New Clothes", someone played a joke on the court and told them this was noble and fashionable. That person still centuries later is laughing from his grave at these dolts.

Izumiblu · Answer

The wigs have been secretly designed to protect the brains of these highly important legislators from interference by the Russians and/or aliens that might be utilizing mind control devices

MarkRet · Answer

Probably because it was fashionable in the 1600s when the court system was revamped after the Cromwell years, and they just kept the tradition. It's like when the US Army Academy was first set up, and they still wear those War Of 1812 uniforms.

OhmIsTyping · Answer

To hide their baldness ofcourse. On a serious note, it's a tradition that has been followed in the court of law since the ancient time. Before independence of many countries for example France, Britain and the USA

OfDeath · Answer

It's called a peruke. They first started wearing them in the 17th century (the 1600s) to bring in a sense of formality and solemnity to the proceedings.
It isn't only the judges who wear it but also the solicitors.

TreelonMusk · Answer

Government sheep like to express their true nature just like anyone else😜

GuidoThePizzaMaker · Answer

It's too emulate Egyptian pharoes  It goes back thousands of years.  Ancient Egypt began a tradition of legislation

hahahmm · Answer

Uniformity. And presumably white hair is a symbol of wisdom. And long hair represents vitality/awareness.

CaptainSmartass · Answer

It's part of the uniform, and it dates back to the days when everyone dressed like that. Fun fact, under their robes, the judges are hiding AR-15 assault rifles (legal requirement in the UK).

Simples...

KaitieSearching · Answer

Syphilis started the trend, male pattern baldness kept it cool.

Anonymous · Answer

There is a massive flea problem in the UK, and the wigs are treated with insecticide. That way, the judges don't get distracted by fleas during court proceedings. The truth is found in other posts.

SilentWatchman · Answer

Tradition. Dates back to the eighteenth century when all aristocratic British guys (and some American guys) wore powdered wigs.

abc3643 · Answer

They burned off all their hair at an accident at while drunk at a party at their frat house.

5_AM_Oracle · Answer

They have something to prove, they think they're better than other judges... haha I don't know

Paris13 · Answer

Ahhhh, Those Brits, No Twits. Very Respectful!!! xxoo

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