Are judges required to wear those robes, or is this particular wardrobe optional?
If it isn’t required for the job, why would anyone want to wear one?
Thanks.
Here is noted attorney Clarence Darrow’s take on it: “The courtroom is a modern arena in which the greatest thrills follow closely on each other. If the combat concerns human life it presents an atmosphere and setting not unlike those cruel and bloody scenes of ancient Rome. The judge wears the same flowing robe with all the dignity and superiority he can command. This sets him apart from his fellowmen and is designed to awe and impress with seeming wisdom oftener than with kindliness and compassion.”
Clarence Darrow, Attorney For The Defense
But of course Darrow was a cynic about courts.
Mostly they wear them just because it’s tradition. There might not be an explicit written rule in every jurisdiction that requires the wearing of a robe, but judges are expected to do so, so they do. In fact, many of them probably consider it an honor to be privileged to wear them. In England, the barristers also have their own special garb. This is one of the few remaining vestiges of times when people’s dress reflected their jobs and their status.
In some other countries judges and lawyers in court still wear togas, robes, and sometimes even wigs.
To hide their briefs, of course!
Ha, I slay me!
…because zippers spook the bailiffs?
As far as I know, judges wear robes because of tradition. I am unaware of any requirement that they wear a robe, other than public expectations.
As a practical matter, the extent to which judges will wear robes in court can vary somewhat. Some judges will wear a robe any time they are in court, and even sometimes in chambers. Other judges will not wear a robe in informal conferences with parties or counsel, but will be robed for trials or other formal proceedings. I’ve heard of at least one that would only wear a robe a when presiding over jury trials, but I think that’s the exception
Brief look into other jurisdictions: A close relative of mine is a district court judge in Germany, and is legally required to wear black robe during trials, and so are the attorneys and prosecutors. White tie is also mandatory, but I don’t know if this applies for both sexes.
I think this is firstly to continue a tradition and secondly to irradiate dignity and respectability. In some way, it actually awes you, don’t you think?
I always assumed it was to hide the frilly pink tu-tus…