British Judges to lose wigs

Britain's lord chief justice has ruled that the centuries-old tradition of wearing wigs in court is coming to an end for many judges and lawyers in England and Wales.

Lord Phillips also says that as of Jan. 1 next year they will also no longer wear traditional wing collars either.

The changes will apply only to civil and family courts.

Phillips says wigs and collars will remain the fashion in criminal courts.

Britain's judges and lawyers have worn horsehair wigs of tight, white curls since the 17th century.

The British government says it expects to save about C$340,000 a year by simplifying court dress, including having judges wear the same gowns throughout the year.

"At present High Court judges have no less than five different sets of working dress, depending on the jurisdiction in which they are sitting and the season of the year," Lord Phillips said.

"While there will never be unanimity of view about court dress, the desirability of these changes has a broad measure of agreement," he said.