THE JUDICIAL WIG.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19202, 7 January 1928, Page 13

THE JUDICIAL WIG.

LORD HEW ART AND ITS VALUE.

(rKOM OCR OWN COBMSPOXDEXT.) LONDON, November 30.

llio value of wigs and robes was emphasised by Lord .Hewart, the Lord Chief • Justice, speaking at the annual dinner, at Liverpool, of the Liverpool Shipbrokers' Benevolent Society. A previous speaker, his Lordship said, had spoken as if he did not like the robes of the judges. "I think really he must be jealous, for he is a County Magistrate," Lord Hewart remarked. "I do not see any reason why County Magistrates should not sit in robes. (Laughter.) There is more in robes than meets the eye. A couple of years ago a deputation of barristers* and lawyers from Canada and the United States came over _to England, and they were much impressed by many things, not the least of- which was the decorum and order observed in our Courts of Justice. 1 think that reticence and reserve is to some extent attributable to onr wigs and robes. It is a curious little sidelight on human nature, for I believe it is a fact that in many places where wigs and robes are not worn there 2s not the same civility and decorum upon which we in the Courts of Justice rather pride ourselves. "If I were-asked what are the two chief qualities required by a Judgealways assuming he has the capacity for them—(laughter)—l should say, without hesitation, patience and courage. (Cheers.) A few months ago 1 visited with : a distinguished colleague of mine a pensioners' home at Winchester. Talking. to one of the men, T asked him what'he did with himself all'day. 'Well,'sir,' he repb'ed, 'some-times-I -sits and thinks, and sometimes I just aits.' That describes a. Judge's day in the Court perfectly." (Loud laughter;)'