Lawyers are known to wear black suits, white shirts, and ties while appearing in court. The question arises, why do lawyers wear black suits in court? The reason for lawyers wearing black suits goes back to the 17th century when English lawyers and judges began wearing long, black robes made of heavy cloth, usually, wool, known as “judicial robes” or “court dress.” The tradition of wearing black robes gradually spread to other countries that adopted the British legal system.
The black colour was chosen for a few reasons. First, it was a symbol of mourning, as it was a common custom to wear black clothing during funerals. This symbolized that the lawyer was there to represent the client’s interests in a serious matter, and the lawyer was taking the case seriously. Second, the colour black was practical because it doesn’t show stains or wrinkles easily, making it a practical choice for people who are likely to spill things while carrying books or documents around the courthouse.
Third, the black colour represents authority and professionalism, which is important in the legal profession. Lawyers are expected to appear in court as professionals, and the black suit helps them to convey this message. Fourth, black is also a neutral colour that doesn’t draw attention away from the main focus of the court proceedings, which is the case and the evidence presented. Apart from the black suit, lawyers are also required to wear a white shirt and tie. This tradition goes back to the time when lawyers and judges wore wigs in court. The white shirt and tie would help to distinguish the lawyer or judge from the wig, making it clear who was who.
Over time, the tradition of wearing wigs faded away, but the tradition of wearing white shirts and ties remained. It’s also worth noting that many courts require lawyers to wear suits, but the colour of the suit may vary depending on the jurisdiction. In conclusion, the reason why lawyers wear black suits in court is due to the long-standing tradition of judicial robes, which were made of heavy black wool. The black colour is practical, and neutral, and represents authority and professionalism. The white shirt and tie are also traditional and help to distinguish the lawyer or judge from the wig, which was worn in the past. While the tradition of wearing black suits in court may seem outdated to some, it remains an important symbol of the legal profession and the serious nature of the cases being presented.