Jim Higgins
Question:30 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if he will bring about the necessary changes whereby the wearing of wigs in court will not be necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Wearing of Wigs in Court.
Provisions have been enacted in recent legislation prohibiting the wearing of wigs and gowns in court in connection with certain proceedings. These include cases under the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, and in relation to evidence given by children under 17 years of age through television link in certain proceedings under the Criminal Evidence Act, 1992.
Subject to those provisions, the general position as to court dress is regulated by rules of court made by statutory rules committees.
The Fair Trade Commission, in its report on the legal profession, favoured discontinuation of the wearing of wigs by barristers, as a move to a more modern profession. A special Committee of the Bar Council is considering the question of the continuing use of the wig by barristers in court, and is expected to report on the matter to the next general meeting of the Bar. I intend to await the outcome of the Bar's consideration of the issue before considering the matter further.