Almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents to a poll launched by the Bar regulator in October thought the formal court dress currently worn should be retained in full.

The body launched the study earlier this year following an announcement in July by the Lord Chief Justice that the court dress worn by judges sitting in civil and family cases would be changed from the start of 2008. Under the proposals, judges sitting in such cases would wear a simplified gown and no wig.

Sixty-six percent were in favour of maintaining the status quo in the Court of Appeal - although that proportion drops to 61% for the High Court and less than half (47%) in the County Court. Support for retaining wigs was particularly strong in serious cases where a loss of liberty was at stake.

The Bar Council will continue to consult with the profession before passing its final recommendations to the Lord Chief Justice by 1 March, 2008, with any changes likely to take place after Easter.

Bar chairman Geoffrey Vos QC commented: "It is quite clear from the large number of responses to the consultation that there are strong views on both sides about the retention of wigs and gowns. However, our consultation indicates a desire to maintain the status quo and for our historic traditions to continue to play a part in the civil justice system."

Bar chairman-elect Tim Dutton QC added: "Our court dress is a hallmark the world over of the Bar of England and Wales. We must... be very careful to maintain the dignity of the process, but also to provide greater clarity to the system where different practices have begun to develop in different courts."

The Government expects to save £300,000 a year by removing the £2,595 allowance granted to newly-appointed judges to buy full-bottom wigs, which are largely for ceremonial use, although there will be a one-off cost of £200,000 for supplying the new civil gown.

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Almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents to a poll launched by the Bar regulator in October thought the formal court dress currently worn should be retained in full.

The body launched the study earlier this year following an announcement in July by the Lord Chief Justice that the court dress worn by judges sitting in civil and family cases would be changed from the start of 2008. Under the proposals, judges sitting in such cases would wear a simplified gown and no wig.

Sixty-six percent were in favour of maintaining the status quo in the Court of Appeal - although that proportion drops to 61% for the High Court and less than half (47%) in the County Court. Support for retaining wigs was particularly strong in serious cases where a loss of liberty was at stake.

The Bar Council will continue to consult with the profession before passing its final recommendations to the Lord Chief Justice by 1 March, 2008, with any changes likely to take place after Easter.

Bar chairman Geoffrey Vos QC commented: "It is quite clear from the large number of responses to the consultation that there are strong views on both sides about the retention of wigs and gowns. However, our consultation indicates a desire to maintain the status quo and for our historic traditions to continue to play a part in the civil justice system."

Bar chairman-elect Tim Dutton QC added: "Our court dress is a hallmark the world over of the Bar of England and Wales. We must... be very careful to maintain the dignity of the process, but also to provide greater clarity to the system where different practices have begun to develop in different courts."

The Government expects to save £300,000 a year by removing the £2,595 allowance granted to newly-appointed judges to buy full-bottom wigs, which are largely for ceremonial use, although there will be a one-off cost of £200,000 for supplying the new civil gown.

For thousands of the best legal jobs, click here.