When you think of English courtrooms, the wigs almost immediately come to mind. Black robes and long, flowing wigs — of all white hair, come to think of it. Yes, British judges have been wearing wigs for at least 300 years as they've ruled their courtrooms with an iron gavel, so to speak.
But no more! As of October 2nd, British judges in civil cases are ditching the old horsehair wigs. With the wigs gone, the only uniform will be a new ''dark blue gabardine robe with velvet facings.''
Reviews, according to the London Times, are mixed. With critiques of the new look including ''warlords from outer space'' and ''fascist storm trooper,'' it appears that many people are missing the traditional attire already.
But that's okay because if you still have a hankering to see your judges in long, flowing horsehair wigs, you can. Just commit a crime and get caught — criminal judges haven't gone the way of their civil judge counterparts. Of course, as you look up from the dock, that may not be the first thing on your mind.
All the same, when a tradition such as this bites the dust, it can't help but be missed somewhat. Over here in America, some judges could use a bit more flair, and the wigs certainly provided that to their British counterparts.
So, farewell to the wig!
