British Judicial Robes In A 'Star Trek' Makeover

Jumping from the 18th to the 21st century, Britain's top judges will lose the horsehair wigs and old robes in a fashion makeover.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the new robes will be worn by Court of Appeal and High Court judges and are part of changes announced last year which include ending the custom of wearing wigs, wing collars and bands by judges when sitting in civil and family proceedings.

The last time a Star Trek-type costume was seen in court was when a juror appeared in an American court dressed up in a Next Generation costume as reported here. She was dismissed from the jury for granting an interview to the media regarding her unusual attire.

Unlike Captain Picard's Next Generation outfit though, these robes come equipped with pockets. "It is much easier to wear and has things like pockets which the old ones did not have," said a spokesman for the Judicial Communications Office. It is the result of considerable consultation and a sensible way forward."

Not everyone was thrilled with the fashion change. "Look at this poor man: instead of appearing imperious, the lord chief justice, Lord Phillips, now just looks like the man who sells you tickets for the Star Trek Experience at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas," said the Guardian's deputy fashion editor Hadley Freeman as reported at France 24.

To read more, head to the articles located here and here.

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