MEDIA RELEASE
Western Australia's judges in the Supreme Court and District Court today abandoned the wearing of wigs in civil proceedings.
Lawyers will also not be required to wear wigs in these jurisidictions.
The new arrangements took effect from this morning to mark the start of Law Week 1999.
The Hon David K. Malcolm AC, the Chief Justice of Western Australia, said the decision to abolish wigs was strongly supported by both the Western Australian Bar Association and the Law Society of Western Australia.
"One of my long-term goals has been to ensure that the law of the Courts and its procedures are appropriate for the times in which we live," he said.
"There should not be change for change's sake, but we believe that as we approach the 21st century, the time has come to remove this centuries-old tradition.
"I believe this move will be welcomed by the public."
The Chief Justice said that wigs had already been dispensed with in civil proceedings in the Supreme Courts of the ACT and Tasmania, the Federal Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia.
Wigs will continue to be worn in criminal proceedings, the Court of Criminal Appeal and for ceremonial occasions.
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Lissa Manolas, Public Information Officer for the Courts (08) 9421 5303 pager 9324 4319 |
