Law Weblog

Supreme Court court changes rules on legal dress

Thursday 24 November 2011 at 6:42 am | In News | 1 Comment Lawyers appearing in the Supreme Court will no longer have to wear the traditional wig and gown.

Supreme Court president Lord Phillips said it was “in line with the court’s goal” to make its work “as accessible as possible”.

If all advocates in a case agree, they may ask to “dispense with part or all of court dress”. Supreme Court justices have never worn legal dress.

The new code also applies in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

Judges and lawyers appearing in criminal courts still wear traditional wigs and gowns.

In 2008, judges in civil and family cases in England and Wales stopped wearing wigs. A simplified design of working robes in court was also introduced.

It went on: “It is anticipated that while some advocates will not wish to take advantage of this dispensation, others may prefer to reduce their legal dress to a simple gown, or to appear without legal dress at all.”