Why Do British Lawyers Still Wear Wigs?
people.howstuffworks.com
In the late 17th century, wearing wigs became a common practice in law. But why has it endured for so long?
  • delirious_owl@discuss.onlineEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    Wigs are so much a part of British criminal courts that if a barrister doesn’t wear one, it’s seen as an insult to the court.
    …
    Most are handmade from 100 percent horsehair, though there are synthetic versions available today, too. Horsehair wigs aren’t cheap, either, especially when they’re handmade and combine an ages-old craft of styling, sewing and gluing. A judge’s full-length wig can cost more than $3,000
    …
    Those who couldn’t afford the best garb but wanted to look the part wore wigs made of hair from goats, spooled cotton or from the hair of human corpses

    This is the stupidest and most disgusting thing I’ve read today, thanks.