Wigs in Great Britain's Court System?

Question:What is the reason that judges and lawyers (I think) wear wigs in the courts of Great Britain? I think I have read somewhere that they are stopping this practice. Anyone know the history behind it?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: What is the reason that judges and lawyers (I think) wear wigs in the courts of Great Britain? I think I have read somewhere that they are stopping this practice. Anyone know the history behind it?

In an interview, one barrister commented:

"Its a throw back to ancient times really. There was a fashion a few hundred
years ago for many people especially those addressing the royal court to
wear wigs. Many members of the royalty and gentry wore them. As for the
robes - the black robes is an act of mourning for the death of Queen Mary.
We still wear them because many people believe that it gives you some sort
of camouflage whilst others think it marks a court case with some sense of
gravity."

The practice was to be discontinued on January ist, 2008, but this was postponed as barristers wished to continue wearing them.