What is the history behind judges wearing robes?

Judges throughout the English-speaking world have worn robes for more than 700 years. It was a custom that began when law was still one of only a few learned professions like medicine, teaching, and preaching. New college graduates still wear robe-like gowns to signify their mastery of a body of knowledge.

When did judges start wearing robes?

Since at least 1800, it has been traditional for Justices to wear black robes while in Court. Chief Justice Jay, and apparently his colleagues, lent a colorful air to the earlier sessions by wearing robes with a red facing, somewhat like those worn by early colonial and English judges.

Where did judges wearing robes begin?

Colonial judges in England wore robes, and the tradition took off on American soil as well. But English judges also wore colorful robes and ornate wigs—a tradition that was not adopted in the United States.

What is a judge’s robe called?

Both judges and lawyers wear a long black robe termed as the ‘gown’.

Are judges required to wear robes in America?

Judges in the United States continue to wear robes in the courtroom, despite the lack of a rule requiring them to be worn. Even in the Supreme Court of the United States, there is no requirement that its justices wear a robe in court.

Why do judges wear white wigs?

A judge needs to treat every person in his court uniformly without any bias. The wig of a judge creates a separate identity for him and presents him as a third person in order to create a symbol of non-bias.

Why do judges wear red robes?

The bright scarlet robes were made specifically for her, thus starting out their life at a truly significant moment for gender equality in the legal world. The robes are the traditional dress of High Court judges presiding over criminal cases and earn those who wear them the nickname of ‘red judges’.

Why do some judges not wear robes?

There are many reasons why a certain judge may alter the style of his or her judicial robe. Some find the bell sleeves of the traditional robe too large or they feel the robe is to plain it needed to be pleated to add some fun.

What do you wear under a judge robe?

What do judges in the US wear under their judicial robes? Under men’s judicial robes, judges usually wear white shirts with neckties. Under female judiciary robes, women may usually wear blouses.