The wig, very popular among English gentlemen of the 17th century – notably judges and lawyers – was part of the official costume of magistrates. When the wig went out of fashion, judges and lawyers continued to wear it, this headgear giving dignity to the proceedings.
Indeed, like many uniforms, wigs are an emblem of anonymity, a way of distancing oneself from any personal involvement and a means of visually enhancing the rule of law. The persistence of this tradition is therefore symbolic.
All judges wear a short wig during ordinary hearings while during ceremonies they wear a longer wig.
Why do lawyers wear gowns?
Lawyers with a doctorate (usually in law) wear an epitoge with three rows of fur. This secular tradition remains a distinctive sign allowing to mark their academic rank and this by exception to the principle of equality of appearance between lawyers.
But concretely, why are lawyers dressed this way? The history of this famous black dress dates back to the Middle Ages. The function of lawyer was then exercised by members of the clergy. The latter wore a black cassock, the appearance of which evolved over the centuries.
From religious clothing to a lawyer’s robe
At the time, justice was by divine right and lawyers were essentially made up of members of the clergy who pleaded dressed in their cassocks. The presence of 33 buttons, which represent the age of Christ at his death, also testifies to this ecclesiastical past.
What is a lawyer’s tie called?
The epitoge representing the old coat (which was worn over the shoulder since lawyers had the right to wear the law doctor’s hat), Parisian lawyers wear it without ermine at ordinary hearings.
You know, we have a courtroom suit, we plead in a robe. According to historians, our dress is inspired by the religious cassock. It is also called the toga, it is black with a white flap.
Upon taking office, the lawyer takes an oath in these terms: “I swear, as a lawyer, to perform my duties with dignity, conscience, independence, probity and humanity”. This oath commits the lawyer to respect the essential principles of the profession.
The robe is a symbol of uniformity, equality between the three magistrates who make up the court and a reminder to them of the duties of their office. Symbol, the dress is a sign of timelessness, of universality.
Note that the chief clerks also wear a toga of this color while for ordinary hearings of correctional appeals or civil cases, judges and prosecutors keep the black robe, red being reserved for solemn hearings.
Who wears a dress in court?
The Government Commissioner, then the Attorney General and his substitutes must wear a black robe with a red border in front and on the sleeves, a white border with a red robe. The chief clerk wears the same costume as the judges, but without gold on the hat and on the belt.
At the time, justice was by divine right and was therefore rendered only by the king. By delegating this power to nobles, the sovereigns of the Middle Ages then made them wear the same clothes as them, red coats symbolizing the heritage of the Frankish kings.
The mortarboard, also called “toque”, is the headgear of magistrates in countries with a German-canonical tradition. The colors of the band(s) change(s) depending on the degree of jurisdiction or the type of jurisdiction. A judge’s mortar will be adorned with silver, a President’s mortar with red, etc.
To be able to work as a solicitor; simplest position, and being able to register with the Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA), you must meet certain conditions: Have a Master’s degree in Law. Studying or having studied the Legal Practice Course (LPC), a mandatory three-year course.
What are the malpractices of a lawyer?
The most frequent faults committed by a lawyer are: procedural errors, errors in the drafting of acts and their consequences and failure to provide advice. A client who considers himself to be the victim of an error or negligence on the part of his lawyer may invoke his liability.
His mandate begins at the beginning of the calendar year and ends at the end of a calendar year. If he is not immediately eligible for re-election, nothing prevents him from standing again, but this is not the practice in Paris. Each President of the Bar is joined by a Dauphin who is the lawyer who will succeed him.
When my lawyer does not respond, several solutions are possible to revive him. Go to his office to request an audience. Contact him by phone to find out about the current file. Send him an e-mail summarizing the situation and asking him to report.
Why does the Parisian lawyer wear the epitoge without an ermine? The epitoge devoid of an ermine is said to be “widow”. Some consider that it is a mistrust of Parisian lawyers against Napoleon III who wanted them to take an oath.
Calling a lawyer “Master” is an old custom that goes back to the origins of the profession. This tradition appeared at the beginning of this profession. Indeed, the lawyers were lay clerics (Catholic Church) representing ordained ministers.
What is the symbol of lawyers?
Themis is the Greek goddess of Justice (her Roman equivalent is Justicia). The balance, the sword and the headband are its symbols.
Piece of clothing that the ancient Romans wore over the toga.
Some people prefer the feel of wool as if the weight of the dress allows them to fit better into their function. The vast majority appreciate the comfort of microfiber.
The toga is generally made up of several elements. Starting with the dress that looks like a cassock with a long row of buttons down the front. Then there is the simarre which is actually two vertical strips of fabric that are on either side of the buttons.
It is white for the pope and canons regular, red for cardinals, purple lined and threaded with crimson for bishops and higher-ranking prelates, and usually black for priests and other clerics.
