COMPLAINTS BY JUDGES

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31560, 23 December 1967, Page 2

COMPLAINTS BY JUDGES

fK Z Pres* Assn—Copyright? LONDON. Dec. 22. Barristers have been asked not to wear mini-skirts and frilly blouses in court —women barristers, that is.

The request comes from the Bar Council after complaints from some High Court judges. A letter from Mr Harry Fisher. Q.C., the council's chairman, has been sent to all women barristers. It says:—

"There has been in recent months a growing volume of complaint from the judges about the way in which some women members of the bar dress when appearing in court.” The letter lists complaints from judges about short sleeves, light dresses, shoes and boots, jewellery including earrings, small wigs perched on top of the women barristers* heads, and long hair flowing from beneath the wigs—as well as miniskirts and frilly blouses. Mr Fisher says that plain black or very dark dresses—knee length or longer—are more suitable.

His letter says: “If legal proceedings are to be conducted with dignity and decorum it is important that barristers should conform to the traditional sober costume.

“Women have established a position for themselves at the bar. It is important for the profession and for the public that this position be maintained.”