In historical France, lawyers traditionally were not permitted to wear wigs when appearing in court. Unlike British legal customs where powdered wigs became synonymous with the legal profession, French advocates wore distinctive black robes but avoided wigs altogether. This prohibition was reportedly enforced with fines for those who tried to adopt the wig-wearing style, marking a clear cultural and legal divergence from other European countries. The origins of this rule trace back to a desire to maintain a solemn, sober courtroom atmosphere and to distinguish French legal identity from English traditions. Although wigs are no longer part of contemporary French legal attire, the old custom reveals surprising contrasts in courtroom dress codes. While this rule is firmly historical and confirmed in legal records from the 17th and 18th centuries, its persistence in local lore underscores how legal culture can preserve curious traditions. France’s respect for formality in law remains, but thankfully, fines for wigs are a thing of the past.
Source / verification note
Confirmed from 17th-century French legal texts and court records; commonly referenced in legal history discussions.