3 Reasons why lawyers go for silver wigs
The majority of antiquated culture is being left behind as the world shifts. As a result, in order to avoid being left behind, actions are taken in accordance with global change. The dynamism of the world has had an impact on the legal profession, resulting in the use of technology in courtrooms and the development of websites that make it simple to hire a lawyer, among other things. Legitimate lights are depicted as “divine beings in human structure” because of the hairpiece and outfit. The legal profession is distinguished from other professions by this superiority clause. The hairpiece and outfit was acquired as a feature of the tradition of precedent-based regulation progress. Therefore, the major inquiry is: In recent times, which legacy are we supposed to uphold—the common law or Nigeria?
History of the Wig and Gown It is undisputed that the Nigerian court dress code of wearing a wig and gown was instituted as a result of colonialism. British imperialists influenced the dress code. The practice of wearing a gown dates back to the 17th century. However, the gowns that were worn were primarily for fashion and were vibrant. Moreover, individuals wore hairpieces to protect their heads from the hotness of the child.
After King Charles II’s death in 1685, the British people eventually donned a black gown to express their grief. People stopped wearing the gown a few years after the king died. Surprisingly, legal professionals kept wearing the gown to differentiate themselves from other professions. In point of fact, the jurists introduced the wig to keep lies and mosquitoes from consistently invading civil and criminal proceedings.
Thus, a piece of three-sided dress was joined to the left warrior – violin-formed material cut in two extensive ways. Due to the formulation of two theories regarding its origin, the preceding is uncertain. According to the first theory, the triangular-shaped cloth was once used as a money sack where lawyers are frequently paid by clients. In addition, it was noted in history that it was divided in half to form two segments; one for silver and one for gold. The second theory is that it happened as a result of people mourning Charles II, the King.
Additionally, due to its neutrality and the distinctive style of the legal profession, the wig and gown became an official dress code. It was decorated by lawyers and judges beginning in 1680. As the world continue to change throughout the long term, Humphrey Ravenscroft developed an exceptionally made hairpiece for the two Adjudicators and legal counselors in 1822.
Reasons why the wearing of a wig and gown in the Nigerian legal system is a relic of colonialism It would appear that lawyers and law students have voiced a lot of opposition to the practice. However, some argue that it sets the legal profession apart from other fields. As a result of colonialism, British laws were domesticated and incorporated into Nigerian law. Despite the fact that Nigeria was colonized, the country has gained independence and is not required to adhere to its colonial masters’ teachings.
It is relevant to express that the clothing regulation of hairpiece and outfit in the Nigerian General set of laws isn’t just an indication of imperialism yet additionally an indication of shortcoming in figuring out thoughts that will make the nation unique. Nigeria takes great pleasure in following other people’s ways of life, which is like following the decisions made by other countries with complacency. Despite the fact that the majority of commonwealth nations wear wigs and gowns, they are permitted to make decisions without external oversight as a result of their inherent sovereignty.
In addition, it is important to note that the wig and gown can be worn in England and other countries due to the weather in those countries. Sadly, this isn’t practicable in the Nigerian setting because of the climate of the country. Funny enough, lawyers and judges in Nigeria fan themselves with file jackets, jotters, and law reports made from their own hands. This is by no means uncommon, putting lawyers in an uncomfortable and inconvenient position to either defend their clients or file a lawsuit. The notion that the wig confers authority on the judge is erroneous. If justice is to be done, it should come from the Judge’s words, not from how he or she looks. The foregoing, rooted in a colonial mindset, is drastically weakening Nigeria’s legal system.
Finally, the hairpiece and outfit in the Nigerian overall set of laws is by implication exposing Nigeria to the power of the colonialist. Despite the fact that the justice system is using it as a symbol to promote and preserve the tradition of the people who colonized Nigeria (Britain), Nigeria should have eradicated this culture. This suggests that, despite the assertion that the nation is independent, the justice system is still a slave to the colonial masters. However, fashion trends in the legal profession have shown that silver wigs worn with black gowns are more adaptable, making them the most preferred wigs for lawyers. Conclusion It is safe to say that the dress code of wig and gown is typically out of date. The wig-and-gown custom has long since been abandoned by its founders. Authoritatively relying on the words of a Nigerian lawyer named Inegbedion Edna, who once stated: “They barely wear it except in some occasions.” the excellence is the actual calling, not the hairpiece and outfit”, is only reality. We can reorganize the legal system to serve our purposes without necessarily adhering to the practices of other nations.
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