Arrr, the fancy wigs be walkin' the plank! The courts be takin' a stand against those pesky powdered perukes!
2024-05-19
Arrr mateys, the courts be ponderin' if them wigs be discriminatin' against our Black brethren. They be thinkin' of takin' away our beloved headpieces. What next, no parrots on the shoulder? Avast ye, it be a travesty!
Courts in the United Kingdom are debating whether to do away with mandatory wigs for barristers due to concerns of cultural insensitivity. The Bar Council set up a working group to address these concerns, particularly regarding discrimination against Afro-Caribbean hair. While no final decision has been made, judges are reviewing proposals and a decision may come this fall.Black barristers, like Michael Etienne and Leslie Thomas KC, have spoken out against the wigs, calling them outdated and racially insensitive. They argue that a modern dress code, without the wigs and other archaic items, would bring the legal profession into the 21st century. Rachel Bale, a mixed-race barrister, also highlighted the importance of cultural identity and the unsuitability of wigs for some hairstyles.The debate around the wigs has sparked discussions on diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Some believe that allowing barristers to opt-out of wearing wigs for cultural reasons would be a step towards a more inclusive and representative legal system.