I thought it was to cover up syphilitic lesions and just kinda stuck around.

Just looks dumb to me but what do I know

Welp. Considering it does none of those three things, maybe it's time for them to go the way of the buggy whip

I know people are here going like "it makes them look silly." Good. Lawyers need to feel like they look silly. This is a group of people that needs to be taken down a peg every single day. If judges and lawyers can be made humble just a little bit we all benefit in society.

Wigs are so much a part of British criminal courts that if a barrister doesn't wear one, it's seen as an insult to the court.
...
Most are handmade from 100 percent horsehair, though there are synthetic versions available today, too. Horsehair wigs aren't cheap, either, especially when they're handmade and combine an ages-old craft of styling, sewing and gluing. A judge's full-length wig can cost more than $3,000
...
Those who couldn't afford the best garb but wanted to look the part wore wigs made of hair from goats, spooled cotton or from the hair of human corpses

This is the stupidest and most disgusting thing I've read today, thanks.

are they aware that their attempt at solemnity makes me giggle

We need to stop treating courts and judges like they are sone mythical magical place and judges are mini little emperors in their mini little kingdom. It's just a fucking place people need to go to handle their business. Why the fuck should everyone stand because the guy showed up for his job. All this shit is too much and judges are increasingly out of their minds

That's stupid, they're stupid.

What it brings nowadays is a bit of yassss, queen!

Time to ditch the Guy Fawkes mask for a powdered wig instead

to bring formality, solemnity, and anonymity

That's exactly why Rip Taylor wore a wig, too.

Barristers in Australia wear these also.

Amazing cause it does all of those things so damn poorly. You're thinking of Diamond encrusted ivory full head masks instead

"May I approach the bitch?"

And just a bit of fun!

Looks just as silly to me as pantaloons or suits or fedoras