Court Dress

Vegan court wigs are being trialled after a barrister sold 10 headpieces to his fellow advocates. Samuel March, of 9 King's Bench Walk, wants to see his hemp wigs replace traditional horsehair wigs at the bar but is first ensuring they can withstand wear and tear.

A black QC has called for wigs to be banned from court following an incident in which another barrister was told he must wear one or face disciplinary action. Leslie Thomas QC said wigs were “fashioned for caucasian hair” and look “ridiculous” on black barristers.

Guidance on virtual court etiquette in England and Wales has been issued by a judge. Lord Justice Fulford, Vice President of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), has outlined the default position for hearings conducted online during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dear Editor, I was disappointed to read that court dress will no longer be required in some civil courts, but pleased to read in Scottish Legal News that not everything thinks this is a good idea.

Dear Editor, I see that the Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin has decided that, for most civil court hearings, court dress will no longer be worn. In my view this is regrettable.