Syrup
Barrister’s wig
Syrup
comes from the Cockney rhyming slang ‘syrup of figs’, meaning a wig.
There are three different forms of wig that are worn in criminal court cases – the barrister’s wig, the judge’s bench wig and the judge’s full bottomed wig. The barrister’s wig, the ‘tie wig’, is curled at the front, above the forehead, and has two or three horizontal rows of curls around the sides and back of the head and two ‘tails’.
Judge’s bench wigThe judge’s bench wig is tightly curled or frizzed all over with two small ties at the back.
1st Viscount Hewart in full-bottomed wigThe judge’s full-bottomed wig, similar in style to the barrister’s, has frizzed sides rather than curls and extends over the shoulders. Such wigs are not normally worn now, except for ceremonial occasions.
Before wigs became the accepted dress in
court, lawyers were simply expected to trim their hair and beards neatly. That changed during the reign of Charles II (1660-1685) when wigs became a popular
form of dress and were considered essential in polite society. Wigs had gone
out of fashion by the 1820s but remained part of court dress. Since 2007 they
are no longer required in family or civil court cases but are still worn during
criminal trials.
Traditionally,
wigs, also known as perruques, are hand-made from horse hair, though synthetic
versions are available. Horsehair from the mane is finer than the coarser hair
from the tail, but either may be used. The hair is washed before work starts on
making a wig, to ensure that it is clean and free of bacteria, and it is then
graded by colour. Wigs take about three weeks to make by hand. Some wigs are bespoke,
while others are ‘off the peg’ in sizes small, medium or large.
There
is some debate over how frequently wigs should be cleaned. Some authorities
suggest that once every 25-30 years is sufficient, while others recommend
professional cleaning at least once a year. Presumably it depends how often and
in what circumstances and climatic conditions it is worn.
The Hanging Judge, about to don the black cap!
From Wikipedia: The black cap is a plain black fabric square formerly worn as symbolic headgear by English, Welsh, Irish and Northern Irish judges in criminal cases when passing a sentence of death. When worn, the square was placed on top of the judicial wig, with one of the four corners of the fabric facing forward. The cap is based on Tudor court styles.[
Judge not, that ye be not judged (Matthew 7:1)
Always difficult to take the court seriously when the barristers are dressed like circus folk.
ReplyDeleteActually, I think they are quite intimidating.
DeleteI never understood why the wigs were necessary in the first place. it just seems overly pretentious.
ReplyDeleteWhen everyone around you was wearing wigs, you had to join in at the court of Charles II. The lawyers just carried on!
DeleteI think those wigs are so very silly - I do wish they wouldn't. xx
ReplyDeleteThey're not worn now except in criminal court cases and I suppose that emphasises the seriousness of the case. x x
DeleteI agree the wigs are now out of place, BUT should we consign them to history, or just keep the tradition alive...............
ReplyDeleteThough they make seem ridiculous to many, they carry authority and tradition.
DeleteIt is a strange tradition and one that is still respected here, although slowly dying off. They are quite expensive, I believe. Does a proportionate cost for them appear on your barrister's bill?
ReplyDeleteThey are quite expensive, but it's a one-off expense - one lasts forever!
ReplyDeleteIt makes me always laugh when I see a British trial on TV especially when the wig hangs askew on the head and the poor man hasn't noticed. Or the wig is too small and the hair is hanging out!
ReplyDeleteIn France, wigs were worn because people didn't wash their hair. The ladies had to sleep sitting up so that the wig wasn't damaged!
In the 70th I remember I also wore a wig when my hair looked like a mop. It was fashion !
I had a wig in the 70s, too, just for fun.
DeleteThey're no longer worn in Belgium, not even for criminal cases. Judges and barristers/lawyers are still wearing a gown and fur-trimmed scarf, though. I love that they're called "syrup". I've had a life-long fascination for Cockney rhyming slang! xxx
ReplyDeleteI think there should be some formal wear for court - after all, a court appearance is a serious business. x x x
ReplyDelete