What does a Judge's robe signify?

Answer 1

Being a judge is usually a prestigious and solemn position in society. A variety of traditions have become associated with the occupation.


In France, during ordinary hearings, judges wear a black gown.In many parts of the world, judges wear long robes (usually in black or red) and sit on an elevated platform during trials (known as the bench). In some countries, especially in the British Commonwealth, judges sometimes wear wigs. The long wig often associated with judges is now reserved for ceremonial occasions, although it was part of the standard attire in previous centuries. A short wig resembling but not identical to a barrister's wig would be worn in court.

American judges frequently wear black robes. American judges have ceremonial gavels, although American judges have court deputies or bailiffs and "contempt of court" power as their main devices to maintain decorum in the courtroom. However, in some Western states, like California, judges did not always wear robes and instead wore everyday clothing. Today, some members of state supreme courts, such as the Maryland Court of Appeals wear distinct dress.

In the People's Republic of China, judges wore regular street clothes until 1984, when they began to wear military-style uniforms, which were intended to demonstrate authority. These uniforms were replaced in 2000 by black robes similar to those worn in the rest of the world.

Answer 2

"...English judicial attire in its present form dates from about 1660, the time of the Restoration of the English monarchy. Upon the return of Charles II from France, the fashion of the Court of Louis XIV for powdered wigs became de rigeur for the smart members of English society ... The judicial robe and barrister's gown developed much earlier. By the time of Edward III (1327-77), the fur and silk-lined robes were well established as a mark of high judicial office. Judicial costume changed with the seasons, generally green in the summer and violet in the winter, with red reserved for special occasions ...

The plain black gown was adopted by most barristers in 1685 when the bar went into mourning at the death of King Charles II. They have apparently never gotten over it ... By the late sixteenth century, however, all members of the legal profession wore round black skullcaps to court, with the white edges of the coif sticking out underneath. When wigs were introduced, judicial wigs had a small version of the skullcap and coif sewn into them. Law students, not yet entitled to wear wigs, continued to wear the legal skullcap for some time after the introduction of wigs, but by the early eighteenth century, it had disappeared completely ... In short, English judges and barristers began wearing wigs and robes because everybody in polite society was wearing wigs and robes in those days. They continue to wear them because nobody has ever told them to stop ...

The consultation paper released on August 19, 1992 sought to summarize the strongest and most cogent arguments in favor of and against the continued wearing of wigs by the English judiciary. One of the most prominent reasons for retaining traditional judicial garb was that it imbued in laypersons a sense of the solemnity and dignity of the law. This was seen as a particularly important function in connection with criminal defendants who tend, as a group, to be underappreciative of the law's dignity and solemnity. On a more practical note, a second major justification was that the wig and robe served to disguise the appearance of judges to a considerable degree, making it difficult for criminal defendants and other litigants to identify them outside the courtroom context. Both of these arguments struck me as vaguely familiar. I had heard them before in some other, different connection. After careful research I have determined that these are precisely the same reasons Batman gives for wearing his mask and cape ..."

Answer 3

That they don't know how to properly dress themselves in the morning, so they just throw on the robe to hide all the mismatches.

Answer 4

Respect!

Answer 5

The darker side of Justice

Answer 6

That thier a 12th level mage in dungens and dragons.

Answer 7

Hes got his dick out underneath

Answer 8

They can't find clothes to fit.