Legal
The Essential Guide to Legal Gowns: What Every Lawyer Needs
Legal dress is not only steeped in tradition dating back from the 14th century – it is a symbol of professionalism and impartiality. As a Barrister or solicitor, it is important to dress appropriately, emphasising the seriousness of proceedings. Shop Barrister Attire If you’re practising law in the United Kingdom, here is everything you need to know about the court dress code: What is the history of courtroom wear? We often associate the court dress code with black robes and wigs, however, barristers didn’t start wearing wigs in court until the 17th century. Wigs became popularised during the reign of King Charles II as they were worn as more of a fashion statement. As wearing wigs went out of fashion, wearing them in the court became more a symbol of authority and a mark of their profession. The black robes that we see barristers wear today, date back from the 14th century when lawyers were part of the clergy and often wore clerical robes. Originally, clerical robes were coloured, but after the death of King Charles II, black robes were worn as a sign of mourning. The black robes remain to be worn today and are most commonly worn in criminal courts rather than civil courts. What is formal lawyer attire? Formal lawyer attire usually consists of a dark suit, preferably black, for men and a skirt or trouser suit for women. In some cases, particularly in criminal court, you will also need to wear: A black gown White winged-collar shirt with bands for men Round collared shirt with tab down the front for women A wig (this will depend on the type of court) Black shoes Criminal cases are generally considered more serious, so a more restrained attire would be expected. In civil court, it may not be necessary to wear a gown and wig. When does a gown and wig need to be worn? Traditional courtroom wear of a wig and robe will depend on the type of court hearing you are attending. With a magistrate court, business attire will usually suffice. Legal gowns and wigs are typically required during: Most trials, including crown court In cases of liberty Chancery Division of the High Court Family court Public examinations of bankrupts Call to the bar ceremonies If unsure, you can find advice on the correct legal dress from the Bar Council or the Legal Services Committee. What are the different types of robes? In the UK, the type of robe worn indicates the role and rank in the court. The style of gown, its colour, and the use of a wig all depend on the type of court, the nature of the case, and the wearer’s role within the legal system. Here’s a breakdown: Judges’ court dress code High court judges wear red robes for criminal cases In civil cases, they wear the civil robe, which is partially black with red tabs at the neck of the gown, and usually no wig is worn During ceremonial occasions, a scarlet gown is worn Court of appeal judges wear a black silk gown and a short wig County court judges wear a black gown with a lilac edge and a short wig. When hearing criminal cases, circuit judges wear a red sash over the left shoulder. Barristers and solicitors Wear a plain black gown with an open front, bell sleeves, court bands, collar and wig (in the crown court) Kings Counsel will wear a more elaborate gown made of silk, and they sometimes wear a waistcoat (bar jacket) Solicitors tend to wear business attire in court, but gowns are sometimes worn. Why is formal lawyer attire important? Legal dress is important because it maintains a link to centuries-old tradition. Represents equality and respect for the court Symbol of impartiality Helps distinguish lawyers from the public Emphasises the seriousness of the court of law Represents professionalism Where can I purchase a robe? At Evess, we can help you look the part. We sell Tailor de jure, beautifully crafted courtroom wear and accessories for courts and legal professionals worldwide. If you need help finding your legal attire, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our dedicated team. Shop Legal Attire
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Accessorising Legal Attire: The Importance of Tabs, Collars, and Cuffs in Courtroom Dress
Legal attire is made up of a number of accessories in addition to the court gown and wig. These components bring the whole ensemble look of your court dress code together to maximise your authority and professionalism during court hours. We’ve put together a guide below to help you become more familiar with these additional components of courtroom dress, including information on what they are and why they’re important. Shop Legal Accessories What are the Different Accessories of Courtroom Dress? There are a few different courtroom dress accessories you’ll need to know about before you start purchasing all the new legal attire for your new job as a barrister, enabling you to always look your best and adhere to the dress code of court. Court Attire Tabs and Bands Tabs and bands are worn around the neck. They are a little similar to ties though these are made from two strips of starched white cloth that are attached to the collar. They are worn on the outside of both your formal suit and your court gown. Tabs and bands are designed to lie flat against the chest. Ours are made from the finest cotton and come with an elasticated fastening for the perfect fit. Court Attire Collars The collar on a court gown is detachable, allowing you to swap it out for a clean band or a new style if you want to try something different at your next court session. Wing collars are popular choices. They are high, stiff shirt collars that are commonly worn above your barrister bands. Collarettes meanwhile often take on the form of a bib with the collar section on top. It is comprised of a white band with two straight pieces of fabric hanging on the chest. Court Attire Cufflinks For those wearing shirts underneath their courtroom attire, having a smart pair of cufflinks can help to tie the whole outfit together and help you to finish off your professional and dignified look. You can select plain cufflinks that match your shirt or add a little extra flair by selecting custom cufflinks or designs that have significance to the law such as cufflinks decorated with the scales of justice. The History of Courtroom Attire Accessories Traditional courtroom dress as we know it today dates back to the 17th century. Wigs were popularised by Louis XIV with many court officials following the fashion of the monarchy. And with the fashion of wigs and robes, comes the traditions of additional accessories that bring the outfit together and create a complete professional veneer. In the time of Queen Elizabeth I, ruffs were worn in place of bands and tabs. When ruffs fell out of fashion, plain linen bands were worn instead. Though these were originally wide, by the late 17th century, they transformed into modern strips of rectangular linen, tied at the throat. The clerical collar itself has undergone a wide range of historical updates as the years have gone on. The history of the detachable collar in fashion began in 1827 with Hannah Montague, who was allegedly tired of washing her husband’s clothes when only the collar needed cleaning. This fashion eventually made its way to religion and church services with the detachable clerical collar being invented in 1865 by Reverend Donald McLeod, a Presbyterian minister in Glasgow. With the strong historical ties between religion and the law, the detachable white band has also become a staple of courtroom dress. How to Put on Legal Attire Accessories Wearing your courtroom accessories is an important part of helping you to feel confident and professional while wearing your court attire, helping you to look more respectable and authoritative while carrying out your duties. How to Measure for Court Attire Accessories The first step you’ll have to take is to make sure you have the right measurements so that your courtroom attire will fit perfectly, making sure you stay comfortable during long hours on the job. Tabs, bands, and collars will generally require the same measurements around the neck. Wrap a flexible tape measure around the circumference of your neck, removing clothing obstacles so that you’re only measuring on the skin. After measuring, add 1 inch to your measurement to allow some breathing room depending on the make of the band or collar. If you want a more relaxed fit, you can add 2 inches to the measurement. Standard cufflinks meanwhile will generally fit most shirt types while larger cufflinks are designed for wider and thicker fabric. When shopping for cufflinks, make sure you’ve measured the cuff of your shirt sleeve so that you can buy the right size. Unbutton all the buttons on your shirt sleeve and keep the fabric straight and tight. Measure from the furthest edge of the button hole to the centre of the button on the other side. Make sure to keep the tape measure straight for an accurate reading. Putting on Your Courtroom Attire Accessories After you have measured for purchased your court attire accessories to go with your court robe and wig, it will be time to put them on. Wearing the accessories properly will help to accentuate your formal work appearance as well as keep you comfortable so that you don’t feel the need to constantly fidget and readjust your attire. Wearing Your Court Band Place the two bands between the wings of your collar evenly and then cross the strings at the back of the collar and back around underneath the flaps. If the strings are long enough, you will be able to tie them into a bow. Afterward, just tuck them away under the flaps to complete the neat and tidy look. Wearing Your Court Collarette When doing up your court collarette, place the front piece at the back so you can see the back part in the mirror. Do up the velcro, poppers, or other fastenings evenly before turning the collarette around into its right position. Tie up the strings on each side to connect the front and back flaps of the collarette and straighten it out before putting on your court robe and wig. Wearing Your Court Cufflinks Fold back the cuffs evenly and align the cufflink holes and then attach your cufflinks. There are a variety of different styles of cufflinks that will require different methods of attachment. Bullet back cufflinks – twist the bullet back to align with the cufflink hole and after popping the cufflink through, twist the bullet horizontally to the hole to secure. Whale back cufflinks – similar to the bullet back, twist the whale back to slot into the cufflink hole and then twist it horizontally to secure. Fixed back cufflinks – push the back through the two cufflink holes the same way you would a button. Chain link cufflinks – push the back of the cufflink through the top cuff’s holes. Bring the bottom cuff up to meet the top cuff, and push the back of the cufflink through. Reversible cufflinks – These are attached the same way as fixed back cufflinks. The cufflink will be secured like a button. Ball return cufflinks – these are also similar to fixed back cufflinks and can be attached in a similar way. Locking closure cufflinks – Unfold the hinges and put the small back part through the holes on your cuff. Hinge the cufflink after it’s through to lock the cufflink in place. The Importance of Court Attire Accessories Wearing court attire accessories allows you to put the finishing touches on your legal outfit, showcasing your dedication to the law and your faith in upholding justice in a formal and professional manner. Looking after your court attire accessories will enable you to build trust and respect for your skills and expertise, allowing you to inspire confidence and authority and do your best job for your clients. Legal accessories complete the court dress code, bringing each individual item together and enhancing your professionalism and authoritative image. You can buy accessories for your legal wear today from our Tailor de Jure collection of courtroom accessories. Shop Legal Accessories
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Wig Fit and Comfort: How to Ensure Your Barrister Wig Fits Perfectly
A barrister wig is an important part of your court attire, helping you to feel formal and professional so you can attend court in confidence and command respect from the jury, clients and other attendants to trials and hearings. Making sure your barrister wig fits properly is key to making sure you feel comfortable in your barrister dress. Read on for our tips on measurements and fitting to make sure you purchase the barrister wig that is right for you. Shop Legal Wigs How to Measure Your Head For a Barrister Wig Naturally, the most important part of making sure you buy the right barrister wig for your new job is to first measure your head to get the precise measurements. The correct way to measure head size is to wind the tape around the circumference of your forehead. Place the tape measure about half an inch above your eyebrows and make sure you hold it tight for an accurate reading. Measuring your head doesn’t always give the perfect answer however. You may find that the circumference of your head falls between two different barrister wig sizes. If this is the case, we recommend that you always go for the bigger size. With a wig that’s slightly larger, you can always use methods to tighten it later to get the perfect balance of fit and comfort. Don’t forget to take into account the volume and thickness of your hair as this can add to the circumference of your head and affect how well the barrister wig sits If you have thick hair and are measuring for a wig, make sure you have your hair in a low ponytail or a braid, keeping it flat so that the measurement readings are accurate and consistent. Other measurements you’ll require for your wig measurements include: Front of head to nape of neck along your scalp Ear to ear across your forehead Temple to temple around the back of your head Ear to ear over the top of your head The width of your hairline across the nape of your neck How to Put on Your Barrister Wig Knowing how to put your barrister wig on properly is half the challenge of making sure you’ve bought a wig that’s the right size. Whether you wear a wig cap or not underneath your barrister wig is entirely up to you. A wig cap will be able to help protect your wig from the natural oils from your hair and scalp, keeping it in optimum condition for longer. Your head measurements for your barrister wig will also apply to your wig cap. A basic wig cap is incredibly durable, reducing the need to replace it constantly. Make sure to try and find a wig cap that matches your skin tone for a more natural and seamless look. Tip your head forward and position the wig at the nape of your neck and pull it forward over your head. Make sure the edges of the wig cover the wig cap if you’re wearing one and your hair and aligns seamlessly with your hair line. Before putting on your wig, make sure your hair is cleaned and tied back neatly if it is longer. The flatter your hair the better and make sure it’s completely dry as well so the wig has more grip and purchase and won’t slide around so much. To help make sure you can put your wig on comfortably, we stock a wide range of barrister wig sizes in our store so that you can have no trouble finding the right fit for you. These sizes include: 54cm 55cm 56cm 57cm 58cm 59cm 60cm 61vcm 62cm How to Secure Your Barrister Wig You may find yourself wearing your wig for prolonged periods of time so it’s important to make sure it stays secure and doesn’t slip during your time in court. With the proper fitting, you will be able to focus on doing your job to the best of your ability without constantly having to readjust the wig. Barrister wigs often come equipped with a drawstring hidden at the back on the nape of the neck. If you find there’s a little too much room between the wig and your head or you had to opt for a slightly larger size, you can use the drawstrings to find the best fit. You can also use clips and hair grips to secure the wig along the backs and fronts. Natural coloured grips that match your skin tone will help to ensure that the professional look and style of your wig isn’t marred. You should also remember to secure your wig cap if you’ve chosen to wear one. Use the same grips and clips that match your skin tone to avoid it slipping and bunching underneath your wig. How to Know You’ve Put Your Barrister Wig on Properly You’ll know if you’ve put your wig on properly if it feels snug but not too tight around your scalp, hairline and the nape of your neck. It will be normal for the wig to get more uncomfortable as your court session goes on because it will start to feel hot and sweaty and the added weight may start to weigh on you. If you feel a headache while you’re wearing your wig, it’s likely that you’re either wearing a wig that’s too small for you or your adjustments have made the wig too tight. Experiment with loosening the drawstring or rearranging the clips. If that does not work, you might need to remeasure your head or look at getting the next size up. Make sure it’s covering your hairline and isn’t sitting too far forward or too far back on your head. After putting it on, check to make sure there are no loose hairs peeking out from beneath the wig. If you’re wearing a wig cap, examine yourself in a mirror to ensure that the fabric of the wig cap isn’t visible. If you are wearing both items properly, your barrister wig should look like a seamless extension of your barrister outfit and comfort will be maximised, helping you to avoid itchiness and fiddling. With the perfect fit for your barrister wig, you can attend your court sessions in style and comfort, commanding respect and professionalism and helping you to uphold the values and authority of the court. Check out our barrister wig collection in the Tailor de Jure section of our online store and begin your journey of finding the right wig for court today. Shop Legal Wigs
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Caring for Your Court Attire: Tips for Maintaining Robes, Wigs, and Gowns
When getting ready for court, it’s important that your court attire is always looking its best in order to convey the right sense of professionalism, respect and authority to help proceedings go smoothly and to highlight the power of the court. To help you achieve greatness within your role as a judge or barrister, we’ve compiled some tips on caring for and maintaining your court gowns and wigs so that they remain in the best condition possible for a longer period of time. Shop Legal Wear Cleaning and Caring for Court Gowns and Robes Properly cleaning and looking after your court gown is important for increasing its lifespan. Excessive heat and moisture can both damage the fabric so it’s important to use the correct cleaning methods to slow down the rate of wear and tear. Dry Cleaning Court Robes The most effective method of cleaning your court gown is to have it professionally dry cleaned as companies will understand how to treat delicate fabrics properly. You won’t need to dry clean the robe too often if you keep it well-maintained. Dry cleaning will remove dirt and stains from your court robes without the use of moisture, protecting your attire from potential water damage. This is done through the use of a cleaning solvent instead of standard soap and water and the robe will then be air dried and pressed to remove wrinkles and creases in the fabric. Hand Washing Court Gowns Dry cleaning can be a costly endeavour however so you might prefer to wash your court robes at home with the cleaning materials you have on hand. Hand washing your robes will be a much gentler process than machine washing but don’t wash your robe with large amounts of water. The best option would be to lightly spot clean the stained area of the robe with as little water as possible and then leave it to dry. Use soft nail brushes and damp cloths. After cleaning, leave it to dry somewhere flat or hang it on a rail. This will stop creases from setting in and will prevent the fabric and stitching from being damaged by more rigorous drying methods such as wringing it out or tumble drying it. Fixing Tears in the Fabric of Your Court Gowns If you spot any tears in the stitching of your fabric, it’s best to sew up the tear as soon as possible to avoid the risk of it becoming larger in the future. Inspect your gown for small tears and rips after washing and after returning from court. On small tears, you can also opt to simply use fabric glue. If the edges of the tear are neat, the glue will seal the two sides together seamlessly. Just spread the glue evenly for a smooth finish and hold the edges together firmly. Storing Your Court Robes Safely After cleaning and drying your court robes, make sure you store them in a cool and sheltered space which can also help to avoid damage from moisture, reinforcing the care that needs to be taken in the cleaning process. For days in court, you can transport your court gown in a garment bag. This will help to keep your robes straight and neat while also protecting them from the elements. Storing your robe in a cool dry place and transporting it safely will help to ensure that the rich black colour of your robes doesn’t fade too quickly. It can also create the perfect conditions to prevent bugs from damaging the fabric and eating holes in your gowns. Cleaning and Caring for Court Wigs While wigs in modern courts are generally optional, they are still an important part of upholding the traditions of court, giving authority to judges and barristers to make their presence and judgments more imposing, while also garnering respect for their profession. Keeping wigs clean and well-maintained will make sure that you make a lasting impression and will help you to support and enforce the formal atmosphere of court, no matter what case you’re presiding over. Caring for Horsehair Court Wigs The classic horse hair material is the longest standing staple in court wig history. You’re not going to need too rigorous a cleaning process as the fine hair needs to be delicately handled. Simply sponge or dab at the dirty area with a cloth that’s been dampened with warm water. Like with cleaning court robes, it’s important to avoid using too much heat and water in the cleaning process as this can damage the fibres. Be careful not to scrub at the horsehair wig during cleaning as this may disturb the placement of the hairs and misshape the wig, altering its appearance negatively. Caring for Vegan Court Wigs Like with horsehair wigs, avoid using overly hot water as this can damage the fibres, whether you’re using synthetic material or plant-based fibres. There are heat-resistant synthetic fibres so check what kind of synthetic barrister wig you own before you commence the washing process. Make sure to stock up on wig care products if you’re going to be treating your synthetic wig yourself so that you can ensure your wig remains soft, smooth and natural, helping you to keep all the hairs in place and prevent knots and matting. These products can include: A wig brush Wig shampoo Wig conditioner Dry shampoo Fibre oil conditioner Storing Judge and Barrister Wigs Safely You can help your court wig to keep its shape by storing it on a wig stand. Keeping the wig in its original box can crease the fibres, especially if you own a full-bottomed wig, with the longer style needing more room to hang. You can also use wig stands as a place to dry your wig after washing it so that the fibres can dry naturally without the hairs getting disturbed by scrubbing, towelling or other drying methods. For short term wig storage, you can keep the box on hand to transport it to and from court. The wig won’t be in the box long enough for the hairs to get misshapen. Alternatively, you can use a breathable bag that allows for air circulation and reduces the risk of dirt and dust from settling in the hairs and affecting the appearance of your wig. Cleaning and Caring for Other Court Accessories Your court attire isn’t just made up of the quintessential court gown and wig. There are also a range of other accessories to take care of to make sure they are in the best condition possible. This will help to create a cohesive overall appearance that proves that you’ve paid careful attention to detail, creating a professional aesthetic that will greatly benefit you during trials and hearings. This will include cleaning accessories such as: Court tunic shirts Barrister trousers Collars and collarettes Barrister bands Cufflinks Make sure other items of your court attire are pressed and starched, keeping whites free of unsightly stains and making sure collars and bands remain stiff and sharp. Shirts and trousers can be washed in a machine. Just remember to iron before your appearance in court to remove creases and complete your professional ensemble. Don’t forget to polish and shine your cufflinks to remove any dirt and tarnish that may have gathered on them. You can fill a bowl with warm soapy water and soak your cufflinks for a few minutes. Upon removing them, use a toothbrush or soft nail brush to remove dirt without scratching the finish before rinsing and drying. Every item of clothing in your court attire is just as important as the next. Keep each item clean and attend court with pride and confidence in your appearance and make a strong impression on the jury, your client and other attendees who expect only the best of the best in court. You can browse our Tailor de Jure collection to see our range of court attire and accessories such as wig stands. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to get some more advice on how to best look after your court attire. Shop Legal Wear
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Behind the Wig and Robe: A Day in the Life of a Barrister
Being a barrister is an important profession and it can be a detailed and intense job. We’ve put together this guide to help you step into the shoes of a barrister, getting you prepared for the next stage of your journey by taking you through the day to day responsibilities you’ll be facing and the importance of your barrister attire. Buy Barrister Gowns What Does a Barrister Do? Barristers are commonly known for providing legal advice, representing clients in court and advising them on the ins and outs of their case. They can also start legal proceedings in court on behalf of their client. When carrying out your daily jobs, you will be expected to write out legal documents, liaise with other court officials and put research into your cases. Your jobs in court meanwhile will involve representing your client, cross-examining witnesses and reviewing evidence. You may also negotiate settlements though this can be done out of court. The personal responsibilities of a barrister during the course of their work and while they are in session include: Supplying the court with all the relevant information of the case Maintaining integrity while acting in the best interest of their clients Keeping their client’s information confidential Not discriminating against their client or any persons in court Taking special care with vulnerable clients whether that be a disability, age, income status or immigration status A barrister should make sure to always keep these responsibilities in mind when performing their job to ensure that they maintain their honesty and reliability. The Areas of Law a Barrister Works In When you finally start your career as a barrister, you will likely specialise in one area of the law in particular, something you may already have decided on during your studies. Some of the practice areas you can get involved in as an established barrister include: Criminal law – handling cases that deal with crimes such as theft, vandalism or murder Youth court – handling cases that deal with people between the ages of 10 and 17 Family law – handling cases that deal with divorce, child welfare and domestic violence Immigration law – handling cases that deal with immigration, asylum appeals and helping businesses to acquire immigration statuses for employees Commercial law – handling cases that deal with employment law, insurance claims, import and export and property law The Four Inns of Court To qualify to become a barrister, you must first join one of the Inns of Court in London, professional associations that offer scholarships and academic and vocational training. The four Inns of Court are: Gray’s Inn – the smallest inn provides a close-knit community of barristers that provide aid and support The Inner Temple – has a wide reputation for global membership and encourages diversity in its membership Lincoln’s Inn – the largest of the four Inns, priding itself on helping students succeed regardless of background Middle Temple – provides £1 million a year for its students and aids them with sponsorship schemes and advocacy training among other services It will generally take five years to become a fully qualified barrister, including three years at university for your law degree, one year on a Bar course and one year in chambers. It’s important to choose the right Inn to gain a sense of community and reach all the milestones and achievements you hope to reach. Selecting an Inn is entirely subjective so if you’re just starting out on your law journey at university, be sure to attend the tours of each of the Inns and find the perfect one for you. How Does a Barrister Prepare for Court? As we mentioned earlier, barristers have numerous responsibilities to perform in court whether you’re working as prosecution or defence. After getting together your research and documents for the trial or hearing in court, you will prepare for court by dressing yourself in the barrister gown and wig. You will not be required to wear a wig in Youth Court or in cases involving family law in order to create a more friendly and relaxing environment for minors. Wigs are still a requirement for criminal trials. Preparing Your Barrister Wig Barrister wigs are the most expensive part of the barrister attire ensemble and will typically be made out of traditional horsehair or hemp, for a vegan option. For your first barrister wig, you should measure your head to ensure you get a wig that fits. Measure the circumference of your head with a tape measure around the forehead, about one inch above the eye. Make sure not to squeeze the tape too tight as you won’t get an accurate reading otherwise. If your head measurement is between two sizes, go for the largest size. Barrister wigs often have drawstrings at the back so that you can adjust the fit accordingly. Looking After Your Barrister Wig When looked after properly, your wig can last for a hundred years. Leather cases will protect the wig from the elements while wig tins punched with holes will provide an easy and inexpensive way of carrying the wig while allowing it to breathe. Wigs can become damaged over time from the oils and sweat produced from your hair and head, resulting in bad odours. A professional wig cleaning service will help to reshape your wig and remove any dirt that has gathered, creating a fresh and professional appearance. If you are washing your wig yourself for the next day of work, use warm water and a cloth to gently wipe the horsehair. Don’t be too vigorous as this can cause your wig to lose its shape, pulling hairs out of alignment. Buy Barrister Wigs Preparing Your Barrister Gown Your barrister gown is the most important part of your lawyer attire. The measurements of your barrister robe will take in your full body from the top of your head to your feet. This is the only measurement you’ll need to find the right fit for your gown. When you put it on, make sure that the gown hangs straight and evenly on your shoulders. Adjust the sleeves and then put on any extra accessories you will require. Male barristers will generally wear a white band around the neck while female barristers will wear a bib and collarette. The collarette is not a requirement however and female barristers can also choose to wear the band. All bands must be worn over a wing-collared white tunic shirt. Buy Barrister Gowns Looking After Your Barrister Gown After work, a barrister will store their gown in a barrister bag, usually embroidered with their initials for easy identification. This will help to keep your gown safe from dust and outside pollutants while travelling and help you to stay looking neat and professional. Make sure your robes are always hung up when not in use to avoid creases from setting into the fabric. Dry cleaning with low steam is the best way to have your barrister gown cleaned, protecting the delicate fabric from wear and tear. You can also hand wash the robes with warm water and laundry detergent. Be sparing with water and cleaning products to avoid damaging the fabric and make sure to clean stains with a gentle brush or cloth. The Daily Working Life of a Barrister After cleaning, prepping and putting on your barrister attire, you’ll be ready to start the day’s work. Barrister Responsibilities in the Morning The barrister’s morning will start early. You’ll usually find yourself waking up around 6am. Depending on how far you have to travel to arrive at court, you may have to wake up earlier, giving yourself enough time to prepare your documents when you arrive. You will use this time before court begins to brief your client and talk about game plans for the upcoming trial or hearing. You may discuss evidence and prep them for testimonies, giving them advice on how to handle themselves while court is in session. You may also need to meet with the opposition, be that persecution or defence. Court sessions will generally start around 10am with barristers expected to arrive at least an hour earlier. Afternoon Responsibilities of a Barrister During the later hours of the morning and the afternoon, a barrister will be spending most of their time in court if they have a trial or hearing they have been preparing for. This will involve interviewing and cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence and making opening and closing statements. On days where you aren’t scheduled to appear for court, you’ll be carrying out a lot of the heavy lifting for preparing for cases. This can include: Briefs and interviews with clients Researching cases Writing out legal documents Negotiating with other legal aides Evening Responsibilities of a Barrister Often, you’ll find that your daily work spills over into the night, with heavy workloads requiring more time and energy to ensure the work is completed properly. This will include catching up on research, finishing up on writing documents or prepping your speeches and questions for when you appear in court. If possible, always try to get a good night’s sleep the evening before a court appearance. Being a barrister is tough but rewarding but with the right preparation, you can focus better on the tasks and responsibilities and make the most of each day in your new position. Wearing the right barrister outfit can also help to make you feel more comfortable in your career, helping you to feel more in control and confident as you represent clients in court. You can check out our guides on taking care of your barrister gown and wig for more information and browse our range of barrister outfits and wigs in our legal product collection.
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Beyond Tradition: The Role of Legal Wigs in Modern Legal Practice
Legal wigs in UK courts have a long and storied history going back hundreds of years as a symbol of pride and authority over trials. While they are not as relevant in modern legal practice, they still play an important part in how judges and barristers are perceived when court is in session. We take a look at the traditions and meaning legal wigs have had over history and how this role has developed and evolved heading into the modern era. The History of Legal Wigs for British Courts When wigs first became all the rage in the UK, they weren’t exclusively worn by lawyers in court. Shop Legal Wigs Wigs first became a traditional part of men’s fashion during the reign of Charles II. It is believed that he wore a wig to cover up syphilis and due to his status as king, the trend of wearing wigs caught on. It was as much a trend of politics as it was of pride in appearance and masking the signs of illness. The tradition of wearing wigs is also attributed to Louis XIV who wore wigs to cover up his thinning hair. As wigs became a part of the norm, there was an alleged decrease in cases of head lice as men would have to shave their heads in order for the wigs to fit properly. As part of the upper classes in the seventeenth century, lawyers and judges began wearing wigs to court, setting them apart as members of polite society and introducing a brand new symbol of their power and authority as they presided over cases. Types of Wig Worn in History Judge’s wigs, otherwise known as perukes or periwigs were a lot more flamboyant and heavy than modern wigs, due to the full-bottomed style that had been made famous in society. Full-bottomed wigs continued to be worn until the 1780’s when the shorter bob-wig came into fashion. This has been attributed to the reign of George III from 1760-1820, when wigs started to fall out of fashion and became a less prominent part of high society, which in turn had a knock on effect in the world of law. The shorter wig without the curls became the norm for civil trials while the full-bottomed wig was reserved for criminal trials until the 1840’s when they were retired from active service and simply became a part of ceremonial dress. Symbolism and Tradition of Wigs In court, the wig was primarily used as a status of wealth and power, putting the judge or barrister above the citizens on trial and representing their authority over deciding their fates. Formality and respect are significant aspects of attending a trial, allowing the ruling of the judge to be taken seriously so that cases can be trialled smoothly while also encouraging attendees to have more trust in the justice system. Wigs also had the unexpected benefit of granting the judge anonymity. By setting themselves apart from others in the court, they could then make their decisions and bring about justice without bias, removing their own emotions and identity in order to judge each case fairly. The Tradition of Wig-Making The role of wigs in court is still as important today as it was in history despite being used less frequently and only being a requirement for ceremonial events and serious criminal trials. Making sure wigs are well-crafted is an important part of making sure the power and authority of the judge or barrister is maintained. Wigs would historically be made out of horsehair, though human hair and goat hair were also known to be used. The making of modern wigs also uses synthetic fibres while hemp wigs offer a vegan option for those in the law industry who don’t want their wigs to be made from animal hairs. There will also often be variations in the wig worn depending on the type of court and the seniority of the barrister. This helps to denote the hierarchy within the courtroom and makes it easier to identify the representatives of the law with the most power and authority which can in turn inspire respect and subtly alter the atmosphere of the courtroom during trials. Barrister wig – often short with curls on the side and a tail down the back. Our wigs are made from either traditional horsehair or vegan plant or synthetic fibres Judge’s bench wig – a short, frizzed wig without curls and with two small tails down the back, made from pure horsehair Judge’s full-bottomed wig – a curled style comes down around the shoulders with a short frizzed top similar to the judge’s bench wig. Legal Wigs in Modern Court While wigs fell out of the main fashion trends in the late eighteenth century, the law is still strong in its traditions and the wigs worn in court can help judges and barristers to strike the perfect balance between exuding authority and being approachable and personable. While their role is largely ceremonial these days, wigs still command respect in the higher courts. While they are only optional in lower courts such as family law and civil law, they can still act as a symbol of the individual judge’s personal values. They allow lawyers to showcase their pride in the work they’ve undertaken and help them to feel connected to the traditions of their predecessors. Wigs will still be worn in high courts such as the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal when they are needed to add a level of formality to events. The types of cases held in these courts include: The final court of appeal for civil cases Criminal cases Cases of public importance Appeals against convictions and sentences from the Crown Court Modern Symbolism of Legal Wigs Legal wigs in today’s era still retain much of the symbolism associated with the wigs of old. They help to assist with keeping judge’s anonymous and creating a hierarchy in court that grants them the authority to render their judgement. Generally, though, wigs have largely become ceremonial, losing their association with wealth and social status as times have moved on and become instead a physical way for judges and barristers to commemorate the proceedings and honour the history of the law. This type of display of power is less necessary now though due to the changing attitudes and opinions between classes. Many judges will forgo wearing wigs in cases that involve children for example, helping them to feel more comfortable as the absence of the wig can help to make the judge to feel and look more human and relatable. Contemporary Reforms for Barrister Wigs These reforms regarding the use of wigs in various courts only really started to take effect in 2007, when reforms were passed ruling that barrister wigs were no longer a requirement for cases concerning civil and family law. While the use of barrister gowns and wigs wasn’t abolished, it was no longer a requirement. Judges and barristers could at their own discretion choose whether or not to wear wigs in most cases, allowing the role of wigs to become more concentrated on enforcing power and authority over the more serious criminals in trials. Not all criminal trials will require a wig though. The formal wear of the judge remains optional in criminal cases involving children to create a more relaxed and safe environment as they give testimony. While falling out of fashion, wigs still hold a relevant role in upholding tradition and allowing judges and barristers to honour the history of their profession, allowing them to take pride in their work and retain the respect of those attending court. You can read more about the importance of wigs in our article detailing the types of wigs still worn in court today and you can browse our selection of legal barrister and judge wigs in our Tailor de Jure shop. Shop Legal Wigs
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The Importance of Judicial Robes in Courtroom Proceedings
Wearing judicial robes in court is a centuries-old tradition that marks a significant aspect of courtroom proceedings, creating a sense of structure and status that helps trials and hearings to run smoothly. Shop Judical Robes In this article, we’re going to take you through some of the important ways judicial robes can have an effect in court from the differences between each court to the significance of the multitude of colours worn. Different Judicial Robes in Different Courts The most important role judge and barrister robes play is to differentiate between the courts, creating a sense of uniformity within each court while also providing structure to the various proceedings. The Heads of Division and the Court of Appeal It is easiest to identify a judge in one of these divisions by the gold tabs they wear with their civil gown, a practice introduced throughout the courts in the 2008 judicial dress reforms that were largely spearheaded by Betty Jackson. The outfit changes for criminal trials and civil trials. The first is characterised by the classic black silk gown and a short wig while the latter makes use of the aforementioned civil gown without the wig. This is largely because a criminal trial is a more serious and formal offence and the addition of the wig symbolises the intensity and gravity of the hearing whereas a civil court has the luxury of being more relaxed in the way it handles cases. Circuit Judges Circuit judges (those appointed to one of the six circuits of England and Wales) will be seen wearing violet robes, a practice introduced in 1915 at the suggestion of Judge Woodfall. These judges are members of the Crown and County Courts within their particular circuit, covering both criminal and civil cases. Like the Heads of Division and the judges in the Court of Appeal, their dress differs to denote the formality of the situation and aid the judges in exuding authority. In criminal courts, the violet robe is adorned with a red sash while in civil court, the robe instead has a lilac sash. High Court Judges High Court judges are most famously associated with the colour red, a strong colour often associated with boldness, power and leadership, important qualities for any High Court judge to possess. The fully red robes are only worn by judges presiding over criminal cases while civil judges wear the black gown with red tabs. On Red Letter Days however, all High Court judges wear scarlet. These Red Letter Days include: The birthday of the current sovereign, Charles III (November 14th) All Saints (November 1st) Candlemas (February 2nd) St David (March 1st) Conversion of St Paul (January 25th St Mathias (February 24th) St Simon and St Jude (October 28th) This helps to highlight the importance of judicial robes in a religious sense, staying in line with the old traditions of court as they were in the 17th century and earlier, while the difference in robes between criminal and civil proceedings helps keep the politics of court tightly ordered. District Judges District judges are best identified by the blue tabs they wear as part of their robes and their role in open court doesn’t call for the addition of a wig, allowing the court proceedings to be more comfortable overall. Similarly, deputy district judges also don’t wear a wig, simply wearing a banded black coat and a black robe, allowing them to maintain uniformity and anonymity during the proceedings. High Court Masters Group The High Court Masters Group is characterised by the civil robe accessorised with pink tabs at the neck, helping to differentiate them from other members of the High Court and emphasising the varying levels of power and authority within the proceedings. Members of the Masters Group can come from any one of these courts and divisions: Masters of The Chancery Masters of the Queen’s Bench Division District Judges of the Principal Registry of the Family Division Bankruptcy Registrars Costs Judges Colour Symbolism in Judicial Robes You will have noticed in the first part of the article that colour was mentioned fairly frequently as a means of discerning the different types of judges but what does each of these colours mean in relation to the values of the law? Some of the most used colours in judicial robes and their meanings include: Black – formality, seriousness, respect Purple – wisdom, ambition, royalty. Blue – stability, confidence, intelligence Red – boldness, power, leadership Pink – calmness, temperance, compassion Gold – accomplishment, divinity, power White – purity, anonymity, objectiveness Much of the colour theory in judicial courtwear is about the strength of character and the impartiality of the judge in regards to each case they preside over. Green was also used in the 16th century as the main colour of summer robes, bringing to mind growth, stability and renewal. The green was discontinued as a robe in 1534, perhaps to reflect a shift in the values of the law. Black and red though remain prevalent colours within the courts. The red helps to portray the authority and power of the judges as they pass judgement while the uniform black helps to maintain an element of anonymity. The plainness detaches the judge from emotional perceptions and symbolises the need for fair and unbiased rulings. One of the earliest meanings of black in court though was as a mark of mourning for the death of a monarch, either Charles II or Queen Mary. This, along with the royal connotations of purple, show heavily the influence of the monarchy in the law, creating a wider structure within society and symbolising the law’s loyalty to the sovereign state. The Importance of Wigs in Court Wigs are just as symbolic a part of court proceedings as the judges’ robes. Wigs are a symbol of tradition, politeness and respect, having been born from the fashion of Charles II who was influenced in turn by Louis XIV. While wigs are worn rarely in court nowadays except in criminal trials and ceremonious occasions, they still hold power, setting the judge apart from others in the court as a symbol of their ultimate power. The wig is also helpful in maintaining the judge’s anonymity. The distance created as a result allows their rulings to be impartial but in more serious cases, a judge’s anonymity is paramount to protecting their identity outside of court. Security and safety is a vital part of court proceedings both for the defendant and the members of the court and these values are reflected in the anonymous and uniform outfit of a black robe and a wig. Judicial robes help to create a sense of order during trials and hearings and while the colours may not mean anything to the attendees of court, each has a deep and sometimes historic meaning that allows them to remain in touch with the traditions of the past while also making sure the values of court remain modern and continue to progress. Shop Judical Robes
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The Evolution of Judge Attire: From Tradition to Modernity
From the fourteenth century to the modern age, judge attire has been a steady, traditional staple of courts. Whether it borrows its roots from classic church wear or is adopted from royal customs, the robes and wigs transcend generations and keep the court in line with the contemporary cultures and customs of historic England. Shop Judge Attire In this article, we will look at how judge attire has evolved from its earliest beginnings, taking note of what has changed with the times and what has stayed the same all these years. The 14th Century – The Beginnings of Judicial Attire The customary clothing of judges dates back to as early as the fourteenth century and the reign of Edward III. During the 1300’s judges would wear similar attire to the Serjeants-at-law. This included a long robe, a hood, a tabard and a coif. Serjeants-at-law were members of an order of barristers in England and Ireland and were prominent leaders in the legal profession. At the time of the 13th and 14th centuries, Serjeants were the highest order of the law until the 17th century. Eventually, by the time the beginning of the 15th century rolled around, the tabard in judicial wear was replaced with the more traditional mantle or cloak. The outfits worn by judges during this time would have been in line with the standard dress for attendees of the royal court, allowing judges to showcase their status and authority within their position. The judicial attire would have been made from a range of materials including ermine, taffeta and silk. These materials were rare and expensive, highlighting the influence of the monarchy. Taffeta for example was incredibly luxurious, a crisp fabric made from silk. Attire would have come in a range of colours, including violet in the winter, green in the summer and red for special days. While violet and green are less widely used in the modern era, red is still donned for ceremonial occasions. The 17th Century – Wigs, Bands and the Judge’s Rules In 1635, the Judge’s Rules were formed in Westminster. These rules dedicated the type of robe each judge should wear and when, creating a guideline for the future of judicial clothing. Items included in the Judge’s Rules included: The coif originating with the Serjeants-at-law in the 14th century The black skull cap The pileus quadratus from the reign of Henry VIII: a soft 4-cornered black hat The 17th century meanwhile, brought in a whole new precedent for headwear in court to carve out a new tradition for judges: wigs. The powdered wigs famously associated with the law were believed to have been brought over to England by Charles II who had been inspired by the French king Louis XIV. Like his father before him, Louis started losing his hair early on in life and wore wigs to disguise the loss. Charles II himself suffered from his hair prematurely greying, believed to be a sign of syphilis and he began the trend of wig-wearing throughout England. Judges therefore wore them as a sign of their status and power – being made out of human hair and horsehair, wigs weren’t cheap to make or maintain, turning them into a sign of the wealthy ruling elite. These days, they can also be made out of sheeps’ wool, goats’ wool and synthetic fibres though they are implemented sparingly in court. They have become like relics of tradition with many viewing them as outdated. Advocate Bands Another element of judicial wear introduced in the 17th century is the advocate band. They first appeared when the Elizabethan trend of neck ruffs died out to be replaced by strips of plain linen. While they are mostly ceremonial now, they were first introduced in 1640 and were comprised of two rectangles said to represent the two tablets of Moses from the Old Testament. These tablets are known as either the ‘Tablets of the Laws’ or the ‘Tablets of Stone’. They are said to be what Moses used to write the ten commandments on when he went to commune with God on Mount Sinai. This is merely one clear example of the influence of religion on the law and on judicial dress in history. Nowadays, with the modernisation of judge attire and the progression on from these traditions, the connection with religion is fading somewhat with the Christian aspects of judicial dress taking on a largely ceremonial role. The 19th Century – Black Gowns and the Detachable Collar The 1800’s saw a number of notable developments to court clothing. Full bottomed wigs had already fallen out of fashion by this point though smaller wigs such as bob-wigs with short tails were still used in civil trials. Black gowns were already in the height of their popularity, having become a staple as a symbol of mourning after the death of Charles II. New courts appearing in the century such as the Court of Appeal adopted the plain black gown as the Chancery judges in the court had become accustomed to this particular fashion. One of the most significant developments of the century though involved the invention of the detachable collar, still worn by barristers in court today for the convenience of it. The idea is said to have been sparked by Hannah Montague in 1827 who is alleged to have cut off her husband’s collars to wash them before sewing them back on. The stiffness of this style of collar is well suited to the stature and formality of a judge. The Reverend Ebenazar Brown took this idea and ran with it, triggering the mass manufacture of the detachable collar, kickstarting a whole new fashion trend and shaping a not insignificant part of the future of judge attire. The 20th Century – New Traditions and Female Judges With the introduction of a number of new traditions throughout the 20th century, it is easy to see how the original popular trends from the years of Charles II begin to fade into obscurity. Circuit judges in the County Courts and Crown Court began to wear violet edged with lilac trim in 1915, with a matching hood on ceremonial occasions. This was put into motion by Judge Woodfall but due to the war, some elements of the new dress for the County Court weren’t compulsory till 1919 such as the lilac tippet. The County Courts were originally formed in 1846 with the classic black robe as part of their uniform while the current Crown Court wasn’t established until the 1 January 1972 where a scarlet tippet would be worn for criminal trials. Of course, many new outfits were not compulsory so judges had the freedom to continue wearing the basic black while in session. Similarly, the judges of the Court of Criminal Appeal, founded in 1908, would have the option of wearing black robes, red robes or violet robes. With its new identity in 1966 as the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), the judges simply wear the classic black. Female Judges and Barristers The 1900’s also saw women start to emerge as members of the court and with them, they brought all new conversations about the traditions of judge attire. The first female barrister in 1922, Ivy Williams, wore the classic barrister’s wig in the same style and fashion as the men, presumably because it was easier and helped to create a sense of uniformity and stability within the courts. Later on, in 1945, Sybil Campbell became the first woman to be appointed to the judiciary on a full-time basis as a magistrate where she too would wear the classic judicial attire until her retirement in 1961. The 21st Century – Court Attire Reforms By the time the modern day came around, the focus on the old traditions was beginning to fade into relative obscurity. The 2007/2008 reforms brought into effect a number of changes to modern court dress. The changes to modern court attire included: A single red robe for the duration of the year instead of a winter robe and a summer robe for High Court judges No longer wearing wigs in open court Wearing the new civil gown in civil hearings and family hearings Detachable collars, bibs and bands becoming optional Many of the old traditions of court dress became chiefly ceremonial. The black gown is still worn by judges but there is a larger emphasis on simply wearing formal clothing such as suits and smart dresses. This is particularly prevalent in cases, trials and hearings involving families and children. Betty Jackson was the pro-bono innovator behind the new civil gown, consulting on the design which included coloured bands to signify seniority. Heads of Division and Court of Appeal judges would be defined by gold bands, High Court Judges by red bands, District Judges by blue bands and Masters and Registrars by pink bands. But even without the classic wigs, wing collars and bands that populated judiciary courts in previous centuries, just enough of the tradition remains to ensure the judges in court continue to command respect and present themselves as the highest authority on the trial at hand. Shop Judge Attire
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Courtroom Attire: 4 Tips on the Dress Code for Women
When you’re attending court, it’s important to look professional to inspire trust from the jury and your client and show respect to the authority of the courts. The dress code for women is similar to the dress code for men and below we’ve put together some tips on how you can dress appropriately for court and make a great impression during a case. Shop Courtroom Attire Now Wear Conservative Outfits One of the most important things to remember is that a courtroom is a place of business and in turn, you should dress appropriately for work, remaining professional and respectable to convey confidence that you can do your job successfully. A conservative outfit for women to wear to court would include a pantsuit, a long skirt or modest dress with a smart professional blazer. Don’t wear clothes that are too revealing as you want the focus to be on your argument for or against the case as opposed to making a physical impression. Avoid short skirts, low-cut blouses and dresses and don’t have too much exposed skin around cleavages, arms and legs. Wear Professional Suits and Dresses A conservative dress code often equals a professional one. Wearing clothes best suited to your role in court is an easy way to garner respect from the judge and the jury, giving your argument professional weight and giving the right impression that you’re taking the case seriously. Business suits, dresses and skirts are the way to go, matching the conservative theme as well as helping you to look formal and authoritative. You’ll want to avoid any clothes that are too showy or casual. It’s a given to avoid clothes with materials such as sequins or lace on them and avoid items of clothing such as sweatpants, sandals, leather jackets, sunglasses or shorts. If you can, you can get specially made and tailored suits for your court appearances to enhance your professional image. Make sure to go for a sleek business style that fits you well and isn’t loose around your frame. Wear Neutral Colours for Your Courtroom Attire When you’re picking out your professional suit for your day in court, make sure to select neutral colours such as greys, browns and blacks. Neutral colours will allow your court outfit to remain understated, making it easier for the jury to focus on what you’re saying without being distracted. The right outfit will always help to support your case, allowing you to remain professional and draw the correct kind of attention. Bright colours and combinations will distract and detract from your professional image. The same goes for wearing bold patterns like polka dots and stripes. Keeping the design of your outfit neutral alongside the colours will prove enormously beneficial. It’s also a good idea to try to avoid any bright or gaudy accessories and jewellery like hats, scarves, bangles and overstated necklaces. This will help your courtroom outfit to remain neutral and make sure you give off the best impression possible to the judge and jury. Wearing Barrister Robes in Court You may find that some of your cases require an extra level of professionalism for court, especially in more serious cases such as criminal court. In these situations you, as a female barrister, may be required to wear barrister robes and a wig in court. This will also include wearing a round collared white shirt with a tab down the front. Wearing barrister robes in court will help in making a good impression on the jury and your client. It will help you to look more legally professional and mark you as a symbol of authority and power in the court that will always help to lend your arguments more credence. Barrister robes bring a sense of formality to the court proceedings, allowing you to honour the history and traditions of court and show your respect for the law. Don’t forget to continue to wear professional court attire underneath your barrister robes to aid in enhancing your legal professionalism. Your outfit may not be seen underneath the robes but you should still take care, especially with your shoes. Making sure they are conservative and black with low heels and no open toes. The right dress code for women is essentially the same as the dress code for men with the additional option of wearing a skirt or a dress. So long as your courtroom attire remains professional, conservative and neutral, you will be well-placed for making a respectable court appearance and allowing all the power of court proceedings to be put into your argument for your client. Shop Courtroom Attire Now
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What Are the Most Popular Types of Judge’s Wigs?
There are a variety of different wigs worn in court to help uphold tradition and encourage respect for the authority of the legal figure. The type of wig you wear depends on the role you have in court and there are a few wigs that are more commonly used in day to day legal life that play a huge part in court proceedings. The Barrister’s Wig The barrister’s wig is worn by lawyers most commonly operating in higher courts and is a sign of respect for the traditional powers of the court, helping proceedings to become more formal and solemn. Shop Barrister’s Wigs Now As a symbol of authority, barrister wigs are popular amongst those looking to have their cases be shown utmost respect and sincerity, acting as a way to divide the lawyers from those on trial and put them in a position of power over defendants. They also help them to become more trustworthy and professional in the eyes of a jury. Barrister wigs are not worn all the time though. In some cases, such as dealing with family law, the wig may be left aside to help generate a more comfortable atmosphere for any children potentially involved in the case. The wigs are also less generally used in civil court cases as a strong symbol of legal power and authority is not as necessary here as in trials involving more serious cases. The Judge’s Bench Wig Not all judges still wear wigs though like barrister wigs they are more common in the higher courts and the judge’s bench wig is more likely to be worn by senior judges who want to use the wig to uphold tradition and the history of the court. Out of the most popular types of wigs for judges to wear, the bench wig is more common as it is simpler and more subtle, an act of formality to represent the judge as being separate from everyone else in the court and thus solidifying their unbiased and fair judgement of a case. Bench wigs are less visually intimidating than a full bottomed wig, allowing the judge to remain personable and approachable despite their legal status which can often prove to be a benefit in certain court proceedings. The Judge’s Full Bottomed Wig Less common, but certainly popular in higher courts and as a true symbol of the traditions of legal proceedings, the judge’s full bottomed wig is flamboyant and ornate, much more so than a barrister’s wig or a bench wig. The full bottomed wig is the most obvious symbol of the judge’s dignitary and power. It is a more traditional, symbolic wig than the other common wigs worn in court, used only for formal occasions and most often used by older, more senior judges. It also serves as a great way for the judge to practice anonymity, making them less easily recognisable outside of the courtroom. The wig serves as a means of protection in case of more dangerous or high profile cases. Why Are Legal Wigs Worn in the Courtrooms? Wigs were first worn in courtrooms in the late seventeenth century as they had become the fashion during the reign of Charles II. This made wigs a symbol of class, wealth and importance in society. As a monarchal society, judges in the UK have continued the tradition of wearing wigs in court ever since though the tradition has relaxed in some ways over the years. It paints them as a sign of respect for authority but where the wigs were first used in deference to the king and higher society, they are now symbols of power in their own legal right for others to defer to. Because of this tradition, judge’s wigs are still important and valued in today’s legal culture, making them popular choices for both new and senior barristers and judges alike. Shop Barrister’s Wigs Now
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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Courtroom Procedures
Courtrooms can be a daunting place if you have to visit for a hearing or as a witness or a victim so we’ve put together a guide on how you can prepare for your day in court and navigate your way through court proceedings. These tips will help to ensure the day goes as smoothly as possible and make you feel more comfortable and confident in the courtroom. Shop Legal Wear Now 1. Pre-Trial Checklist or Questionnaire When attending a trial at court, you will be sent a pre-trial checklist or questionnaire to fill out and review, ensuring that you are fully prepared for your trial and are in compliance with court directives and proceedings. The pre-trial review questionnaire will cover areas like making sure you’ve followed all the directions given to you by the court and which directions are still left to complete. It will also require you to mark off whether the court has given permission for you to use written evidence from experts in your trial and give details on other witnesses and your legal representation. Another name for the questionnaire is the pre-trial checklist. It covers all the same bases in a slightly different format. You can send your pre-trial checklist with a number of other important documents for the court including but not limited to a draft order, an estimate of costs and a proposed timetable for the trial. 2. Special Measures in a Courtroom Special measures are put into place in a courtroom when vulnerable or intimidated witnesses need some extra help. These measures aim to help the witnesses give evidence as best as they can and soothe any stress or anxiety they have about being on the stand in court. The special measures are part of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 and can be utilised for witnesses in both prosecution and defense. Vulnerable witnesses include minors and those suffering from mental and physical disabilities while intimidated witnesses can include those suffering from severe stress at the thought of testifying. This often includes witnesses to murders or victims of sexual assault, domestic violence or kidnappings. The special measures the act puts into place include: Screens to shield the witness or victim. Live or pre-recorded links so that the witness or victim doesn’t have to be in the same room as the defendant when giving their testimony. Aids to help the witness or victim communicate. The removal of wigs and gowns by court officials to make witnesses or victims feel more comfortable. 3. Representing Yourself in the Courtroom In some court cases, the defendant may represent themselves either because they want to speak for themselves directly or because they can’t afford the legal fees of a solicitor or barrister. If you’re thinking of representing yourself in court, first check to find out whether you’re eligible for legal aid. Legal aid is most commonly available for defendants in civil cases and you will have to enquire further with a legal representative about whether you can apply for criminal legal aid. When you represent yourself in court, you will be what is known as a ‘litigant in person’. Though even without the aid of a solicitor or barrister in your case, it’s a good idea to bring along some help or support so you don’t have to go through the trial completely alone. This will include bringing along a friend or family member, an adviser from Citizen’s Advice or a volunteer from the Support Through Court scheme. The Citizen’s Advice adviser will be able to provide you with free legal aid and they can also help with court claims and legal documents you need help with. Support Through Court is a charity that offers free help to those attending court without a legal representative. They will give you advice on what to say in court and help you with any legal documentation you need filling out. 4. Attending Court as a Child Witness Sometimes, a child or teenage witness may be required to give evidence in court so it’s important that they are properly prepared for their moment on the stand to assuage as much of the stress and discomfort as possible. It’s often recommended that you take your child to the courtroom before the date of the trial or hearing. They can become familiar with the layout of the court so that it isn’t so foreign or daunting when they have to give their testimony. Young witnesses may find it easier to give their evidence and testimony away from the formal structure of court. This can be done through a TV link and can either be live or pre-recorded as set out in the special measures for vulnerable witnesses. When it comes to answering questions, an intermediary will be present to help assist your child if they don’t understand the question, making the court proceedings easier to understand and helping them to give as much detail as possible to help the judge and jury make their verdict. 5. Victim and Witness Support in Court If you are attending court as a victim or witness, you will be entitled to receiving victim or witness support to help you feel comfortable and safe when giving your testimony and helping to ease the stress of your time in court. A member of the Citizens Advice Witness Service will be present in court and can support you while you’re presenting your evidence and give advice on managing your stress and worries about the court proceedings and your role in them. Younger witnesses can also take advantage of Childline who give you information about the ins and outs of court to get you familiar with the process if you have any worries. NSPCC’s Young Witness Service also aims to alleviate stress as well as providing support with the hopes of preventing further trauma. There is an adult equivalent of this service simply called The Witness Service and both services are available in any court. Victims of crimes will be able to take full advantage of the Victim Support charity. They provide support for victims of crimes before, during and after court, making sure you or your loved one always get as much help as possible. Victim Support has a Supportline for people to call and a live chat feature so people can get advice and help in whatever way makes them feel most comfortable. They will provide you with extra aid in court as well. After the trial is over, the Witness Care Unit will be in touch to inform you of whether the defendant was convicted and what their sentence means for you and your safety. They will also let you know whether the sentence is being appealed and what the results of any hearings are. Courtroom procedures are put into place to make court as safe as possible for witnesses and victims who are testifying as well as providing aid and assistance to defendants in order for the trial or hearing to go off without a hitch. There are multiple support systems in place designed to alleviate any concerns you have about your impending court appointment. Whatever your reason for going to court is, we hope that these tips can help you to understand the process of court proceedings better and prepare in whatever way you need. Shop Legal Wear Now
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5 Best Law Books to Read: Advice For Lawyers
Law can be a complicated and complex career to undertake and it can be hard to keep on top of everything you need to know about the ins and outs of court and trials as well as all the intricacies of the different roles and branches of law you can study. Shop Legal Accessories Now We’ve put together a list of some of the best law books you can read, whether you’re a novice student just starting your studies or an experienced lawyer looking for a fresh perspective. These books offer great and engaging advice on the law and what it means to be a lawyer, making them accessible and informative reads for all. 1. Jeremy Hutchinson’s Case Histories by Thomas Grant An entertaining account of Jeremy Hutchinson’s storied career, Thomas Grant takes the reader through a series of Hutchinson’s cases from preventing the suppression of Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris to defending Kempton Burton, famous for being the only man to steal a painting from the National Gallery. Grant’s book provides thoughtful insight into each of Hutchinson’s cases, giving the reader a solid idea on the workings of court and how trials can play out. Readers will be transported inside of the courtrooms and find invaluable advice about how court life works. 2. Fake Law: The Truth About Justice in an Age of Lies by The Secret Barrister No booklist for lawyers would be complete without at least one entry by The Secret Barrister, an anonymous author sharing the secrets of court and exposing the dangers and issues that lie in the world of law. The Secret Barrister uses their book to shed light on how deeply the media, politics and misinformation inform the law and showcasing the often ugly and malicious truths behind some famous cases from recent years. Their books offer great advice on how court and law really works, providing often uncomfortable insights that will help you to gain a more complete understanding of how the law works from all angles. Their other books include The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It’s Broken and their memoir, Nothing But the Truth: The Memoir of an Unlikely Lawyer. 3. The New Lawyer’s Handbook: 101 Things They Don’t Teach You in Law School by Karen Thalacker Law school takes you through all the skills and talents you need to make it as a lawyer during cases and the research phase but after joining your new firm, it’s always handy to have a guide to help you navigate dynamics in the office and put all those skills into practice in the real world. Karen Thalacker’s guide lays out everything from the advantages of being a lawyer who plays golf to giving advice on not judging your clients. It’s a useful book for new lawyers to sink their teeth into but it may also be a good choice for those starting out in law school. It will help to give you an early leg up on what a career in law really means so that you end up ahead of the game. 4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Learning about the law doesn’t always come from informative guides and factual books. Fiction novels can also represent the finer intricacies of the law, coming at the field of study from a more human and emotional perspective, a valuable tool considering you will be working with people – and sometimes victims – yourself. Harper Lee’s iconic classic follows a lawyer and is laden with themes concerning racism, inequality and discrimination, problems still prevalent in today’s society. It’s a great book to learn lessons from and with issues like this permeating the law in modern society, this fictional insight can prove to be a real eye-opener to the struggles of the law and the victims caught up in it all. Other fiction books you can read for a deeper understanding of the impact of justice and injustice across media and society are Charles Dickens’ Bleak House, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. 5. The Rule of Laws by Fernanda Pirie One of the best things a burgeoning lawyer can do is familiarise themselves with the history of law and learn how all the different traditions and systems came about. This then provides a template for how the law works in the present day and helps to highlight the workings of court. Pirie’s The Rule of Laws traces the history of law from Mesopotamia through Medieval China to Colonialism and beyond. She paints a full picture of how law has been shaped and evolved in different cultures over the centuries. The reader is shown how intricately woven today’s laws and courts are with the laws of history which can provide a solid foundation to start from when it comes to learning about the law and preparing for your start as a law student. There are any number of books you can read, fiction and non-fiction that can help shape your path to becoming a lawyer and reinforce your career after graduation. So pick up one of these books – or all – and immerse yourself in the world of law. Shop Legal Accessories Now
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