PING: Wigs and Gowns on Judges and Barristers – Silly Anachronism or Necessary Solemnity?URL: http://www.cearta.ie/2007/07/wigs-and-gowns-on-judges-and-barristers-silly-anachronism-or-necessary-solemnity/IP: 81.17.252.40BLOG NAME: cearta.ieDATE: 07/25/2007 02:23:21 AMA few weeks ago, Pupilblogger wrote, of the barristers wig and gown:I wore a wig and my gown in combat for the first time today. And the bloody tunic shirt with detachable collars, the wing collar and the bands.Did I look and feel silly? You b…

It’s a sad day for those of us who have always loved the pomp and circumstance of English justice:  The judicial wig, the wing collar, and the variegated robes used in different courts will be no more civil cases.

The British government — which has been known to knock down 11th century Norman churches just to widen a roadway — has decided to do away with four centuries of tradition to save a measly $600,000 a year.

That presumably means that the next Nichols v. Raynbred or Adams v. Lindsell will delivered by somebody dressed (like an American judge) in a black polyester gown and Hush Puppies.  Sic transit gloria mundi, if that’s the expression we want.

[Frank Snyder]