Courts in England are debating whether to stop requiring wigs as part of the dress code for barristers. The discussions come after complaints from several black barristers who alleged that the archaic piece of dress code for the country’s lawyers is discriminatory against those with Afro-Carribean hair, the U.K.
reported. “Following questions from barristers about wigs and hair discrimination, the Bar Council set up a working group to consider court dress in the context of all protected characteristics,” a Bar Council spokesman told The Telegraph. “The findings of the working group are currently being discussed with the judiciary as part of our regular dialogue on equality and diversity matters.
” According to the website, the origin of wigs as part of barrister uniforms dates back to the reign of King Charles II (1660-1685) when the accessory was popular among the elite. Until then, barristers didn’t wear wigs — they only had to trim their hair and beards. Towards the late 17th century, however, wigs became popular among , too, who wore them both inside and outside court to an image of authority and status.
Over time, however, wigs grew out of fashion, with only members of a few professions, such as the legal profession, them. In 2007, wigs became for civil and family law cases, and they’re no longer required in the U.K.
Supreme Court. However, criminal trials in the U.K.
still require barristers to wear them. However, there is a push to stop requiring wigs al.