Good wigging
Sir: In his review of David Pannick's Judges (Books, 10 October), Ludovic Ken- nedy supports the suggestion that judges should abandon their wigs. Although there may be good reason to do this in some circumstances — for instance when chil- dren are giving evidence — there is, in general, a much stronger argument for their retention.
Both judges and barristers find them- selves in an artificial situation — a court, governed by artificial rules — the law. A judge may have to give judgment for an unmeritorious plaintiff who happens to have 'the law on his side'. A barrister defending in a criminal case will frequently have to represent someone who he thinks probably 'did do it'. Anything which assists judges and barristers in overcoming per- sonal prejudice, as they must do, is surely to be welcomed. The 'depersonalisation' of a wig emphasises that the wearer is appear- ing not on his own account or as an interested party, both to the wearer and to all others in court.
Wigs should therefore not be aban- doned.
Nicholas Vineall
102 Middleton Road, London E8
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