Rotorbee
Do you still wear those funny wigs?
Yes, but for how much longer I don't know. I think they'll disappear in civil cases very soon, and in criminal cases in the foreseeable future.
On balance, I favour keeping them but no longer hold strong views about it.
And as a judge, you get a longer wig?
Yes, but they are worn on ceremonial occasions only.
A judge's 'working' wig is similar to a barrister's wig.
Or just other curls?
All my other curls grew naturally.
How many times you change the wig in a career?
Never, unless you become a judge. (Or unless, as in my case, some thieving git steals your wig as a souvenir.)
Has the number of curls anything to say about the status?
I suppose so, in that judges' ceremonial wigs are long (shoulder-length.) However, IMHO, earning respect when doing a job is much more important than the 'status' that comes with it.
The colour of a wig (judge or Bar) is a good indication of experience - unless he/she bought it second-hand(head). They are made of white horse-hair and go darker with age.
Can you buy them at Harrods?
Not as far as I know.
I always found those wigs funny.
I can understand that, but the Brits love tradition and, contrary to the belief of those keen to abolish wigs (including some judges and barristers), most court users of all categories appear to like them.
TaB said that Rumpole is rather accurate.
I think TaB meant the barrister/judge hierarchy.
You guys must have a hell of a time.
I've enjoyed being a barrister (apart from the ridiculous hours), and hope I'll enjoy being a judge as much.
Elsewhere lawyers and judges lack credibility due to not wearing a proper outfit.
That's not my opinion, nor that of anyone I know.
See above under British love of tradition.
Tudor