News In Brief
Solicitors and other non-barrister advocates authorised under the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 can wear wigs in court, following a practice direction on court dress handed down by the lord chief justice. As of 2 January 2008, advocates can wear wigs wherever members of the Bar would ordinarily be allowed to do so, including the crown, county and magistrates’ courts. The move follows a consultation carried out by the Department for Constitutional Affairs and consultation with the heads of division. Law Society president Andrew Holroyd says: “We are delighted that the current unjustified disadvantage to solicitor-advocates has ended.”