In fact, the wigs worn by lawyers and judges are called judicial wigs (Wigs in Court). It originated in the seventeenth century and has a history of more than 300 years. Today, some countries still retain the custom of wearing judicial wigs in courts.

 Where did this judicial wig come from?

 The origin is actually due to "baldness"

 In the 17th century, head lice were so prevalent throughout Europe, especially in England and France, that people had to shave their heads to prevent lice from invading their heads, and people began to wear wigs to cover their bald spots.

 In 1624, King Louis XIII of France, who was suffering from hair loss, also wore a wig to cover his baldness. Louis XIV admired wigs very much. In various public occasions, the king would personally select a wig.

As a result, wigs became popular throughout European society, becoming a symbol of social status and privilege, and a dress for formal occasions. Judges also followed suit and wore wigs in court.

 The first time wigs entered Britain was in the 1660s. Charles II, who had been in exile in France, returned to England to restore the monarchy and brought the wig to England. In 1685, the British government stipulated that legal practitioners must wear wigs and gowns. Wigs have officially entered the British courts.

Demonstrate the authority of the law

 In court practice, judges and lawyers who wear wigs are seen as well-dressed professionals. They look solemn and solemn, putting the court in a serious atmosphere and demonstrating the authority of the law and respect for the law.

 In addition, in court, wearing wigs and robes can hide the identity, age and even appearance of legal practitioners, allowing judges to treat everyone equally and make fair decisions. In addition, it can make it difficult for criminals to identify themselves outside the court and protect the personal safety of judges and lawyers.

 Judicial wigs are valuable

 Judicial wigs come in many forms. One is a full-bottomed wig (Full Bottomed Wig) for attending grand events and ceremonial occasions, which can reach shoulder length; the wig (Barristers wig) usually worn by lawyers in court is shorter and only covers the top of the head, while the short wig worn by judges (Bench Hair) There are no curls on the sides.

Judicial wigs are expensive. Modern judicial wigs are generally made of horsehair. Horsehair materials are not difficult to obtain. What is difficult is the process of making wigs. A complete set of wigs is worth nearly 2,000 pounds, a judge's wig is about 600 pounds, and the cheapest lawyer's wig is about 350 pounds (about 3,000 yuan).

 There is also a saying in the British judicial community that the older the wigs are, the longer the judges and lawyers have been practicing and the more experience they have. Wigs can be said to be the "face" of judges and lawyers, so they will not change their wigs easily.

However, judicial wigs have also been criticized by many British judges and lawyers, as they are considered weird, uncomfortable and expensive. Since 2008, the UK has successively introduced various regulations to relax the requirements for wearing wigs. In the UK today, judges and lawyers are only required to wear wigs when participating in criminal cases and formal ceremonies.