From Lewis Carroll’s fairy tale “Alice in Wonderland,” we recall the protagonist observing the King and Queen of Hearts, noting how all judges in the British court wore wigs. At this point, the peculiar reality of the fictional world intersects with the real world, where everyone simply notices things happening in such a way, without questioning why. Why do those respected British citizens, adjudicating over defendants, wear large wigs? The same reason that was prevalent among humans in the 17th and 18th centuries. Britain, somewhat isolated from the rest of Europe but proud of its independence, respects and admires its traditions, much like its highly developed aristocracy, where one can always see gentlemen in top hats engaging in earnest and somewhat subtle discussions.

The Cultural Hallmarks and Customs of Britain

The cultural characteristics and customs of Britain are too numerous to count on both hands. The conservatives still adhere to polite manners and self-presentation in society, and they do not abandon principles that might seem like relics of the past to some. This is especially true for areas of life deeply rooted in society, originating from distant eras and carefully traversing several centuries, proving their worth time and again. Of course, one such area is the judicial system.

Wigs and the British Judicial System

Everyone associated with the country’s judicial jurisdiction knows that wigs are closely related to their activities, so much so that they are actually incorporated into the regulations. There are specific rules for wearing wigs, with organizations responsible for the style of wigs and overall dress code. The barrister, proud of the local “Barrister” title, which grants him a special status in the state (including financially), wears a short and comfortable wig that occupies only a third, and in extreme cases almost half, of his head, drawing everyone’s attention in the room.

The Prestigious Judicial Wig

The head of judges — the person making decisive judgments, on whom the outcome of cases largely depends — is awarded the highest honor. This is the old-fashioned wig of the English nobility, long and wavy, very thick, and somewhat heavy. The dense curls of the wig cascade down to the shoulders and even reach the chest line. From deep within the court, one might even see the judge’s head enlarged, a magnificent cloud surrounding his face.

Wigs in the French Royal Court

Interestingly, during the era when allonges became popular, many royal barbers worked in the court of King Louis XIV of France, focusing their efforts on making wigs rather than cutting the monarch’s hair. This type of activity suited the profession’s Russian name better than its modern characteristics. Regardless, the ruler covered his own absence with a pile of artificial hair. Today, wearing a wig is not only unusual but also connects you, in some way, to the royalty that ruled centuries ago, a time when only successful and wealthy gentlemen could afford it.

The Influence of French Monarchs on British Wigs

Importantly, the French monarch’s initiative to wear impressive wigs was supported by the English King Charles. In that era, rulers pursued only their most perfect qualities, and if the dynasty of Louis was naturally sparse-haired, the creation of wigs, although a desperate gesture, was an act that influenced history and culture, even entering the history of the British judicial system. It’s odd that the rulers and the Catholic Church were politically at odds for a long time, and such an item did not fit the framework of a man’s wardrobe.

Wigs as a Symbol of Privilege

We can say that today’s wigs are also a kind of privilege — not in terms of personal wealth or closeness to the monarch himself but in mastering the basis of justice, in the ability to control destiny, close to the rulers. Today, a significant part of British judicial officials no longer has the obligation to wear old-fashioned wigs. Thus, by tradition, it’s no longer possible to see all other participants in the investigation on them. The privacy factor favors the dignified British judge and barrister’s normative appearance. However, if a person has bright, prominent features, the wig only emphasizes his traits, and the person passing judgment remains firmly in memory. With all this, the image is imprinted in people’s minds in a more solid form, linked to the entire history of England.

Wigs as a Distraction and Morale Booster During the Civil War

Wigs became a crucial element for distraction and improving public morale during the Civil War, and this was no coincidence. Those siding with the monarchy, known as the royalists, were famous for their thick, shoulder-length hairstyles. Their opponents, unaware of this vain habit, provocatively cut their hair as short as possible. As a result, all those supporting the Parliament were quickly nicknamed “Roundheads.” After the monarchy was restored, those opposed to the authorities realized their mistake and hastily donned voluminous hairstyles made of horsehair by craftsmen. In this context, wigs can be described as a historically significant element of camouflage, appealing to emergency neutrality. Surprisingly, over time, wigs remained worn only in significant positions within the Parliament and, of course, at court hearings.

The Respected Tradition of Wearing Wigs, Especially Among Judges

The tradition of wearing wigs, particularly those associated with judges, is deeply respected and unfailingly followed by the British. In modern history, there have been only three instances where privileged lawyers, due to unbearable conditions in court, removed their heavy wigs. As for judges, no cases of deviating from this principle have been found. The focus has always been not just on the status of judges but also on virtues such as integrity. Incidentally, this applies to Australian judges as well, making Australia the second country where the tradition remains deeply ingrained. Perhaps, the shared historical trajectories and intersections are reflected in the destinies of these two countries, which have sacredly preserved their conservative foundation.

The Symbolic Significance of Judicial Attire

The wide, dark robes remain a crucial attribute of upholding law and order and adhering to English legal traditions. Judges might not frequently change their wigs, and there’s now less emphasis on the quality of wig materials. Typically, wearing a wig has symbolic significance, though it is profoundly symbolic and inspiring. A deeper exploration reveals that such attributes signify that justice, despite existing for many centuries, has not become outdated. When wigs first became fashionable, their owners had no restrictions: they owned dozens of wigs, changing them up to four times a day.