The legal profession as we know it has its own peculiar traditions most of which are from antiquity. An instance of this is the wig and gown which has quite become the de rigueur for members of the Nigerian Legal profession. Most law students can’t seem to understand why a feminine attire like the wig and gown would become the norm for everyone. Why can’t we just don our fashionable suits with a little pizazz when appearing before courts like we see in the movies ? The history behind the practice of wearing this rather outlandish garb dates back to the 18th century where it had once been a status symbol distinguishing members of the noble profession from the rest of the populace. It’s something that has been handed down the years until we eventually inherited it from Britain as part of our colonial common law heritage (although in most countries there have been minor modifications). A lot of reasons have been cited for why lawyers today still wear the wig and gown (most of which I still laugh over).

(1) It was originally designed to distinguish members of the legal profession from other members of society.

(2) It brought authority, formality, dignity and solemnity of the law

(3) It emphasizes on the objectivity of the law and deflects personal attention from the judge. (Surely judges can’t be seen to be flamboyant)

(4) With respect to the judiciary, it is designed to bring anonymity to the judge and help them hide their identity.

(5) It was introduced in the past for hygienic reasons

Do you think it should be done away with? Lets here your thoughts then

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Mind blown

I donbelivit. They still make it compulsory to wear it

Well even if every other country abolishes it, Nigerians take so much pride in being slaves to their colonial masters.

Cool

D wig represents white hairs which is a sign of wisdom

front seat booked

Gud to know but how does it epp d administration of justice?

lawyers should be intelligent and morally upright. The wig part to me is inconsequential.

ok

Most People send their children to law school just because of the wing, no no the wing must stay o...

I don't think it is used in d US. Don't really know sa.

Make der brain cool

educative

In respect to Lady Justice

See as this wig fine, the one wen I dey see for our Nigerian brothers' and sisters' head especially Nollywood dey get so so hole for inside

KingsleyCEO:
Most People send their children to law school just because of the wing, no no the wing must stay o...

Wing bawo

KingsleyCEO:
Most People send their children to law school just because of the wing, no no the wing must stay o...

it's called 'Wig' and not wing, bro.

I want to know why they also wear black too

Whatever.
We are just backward..
Throw the wigs in the trash joo..

US judiciary system no get time for all those dandruff causing wigs.
Op I think in the early British, the Victorian age to be precise, wigs were worn by noble men not only by lawyers or judges.

2 ME DEY LOOK LIKE CLOWNS.

No need to abolish it

Lol

Ok

who this one epp this morning

Designed by occultic group of class 1625

Rain drop.. Drop Tops.. I got holes in my funny white wigs.

i was in court some time back and the lawyers just looked silly in the whole billowing gown and stupid blond wigs! They can change those wigs to black ones can't they?or does the white color signify wisdom ....cos most of those lawyers aren't wise

abat4real37:
I want to know why they also wear black too

The black gown connotes a 'sober' reflection, while coming before the law...he who comes before the law must come with clean hands..

Maybe it is that wig that's blocking away fresh air from getting to the "brains" of our lawyers and judges and making them the definition of corruption and corrupt practices