IMPORTANCE OF

DRESS CODE.
Submitted to:- Miss Gazala Noor
Submitted by:-Akanksha Sharma
UID:-18BAL5087
Section;-A ‘BALLB’
Introduction

 Advocates are not only professionals but also court officers who play an important role
in the administration of justice. As a result, the set of rules that govern their
professional conduct stems from the duty they owe the court, the client, their
adversaries, and other advocates. Every profession has a dress code, and people who
belong to that profession can be identified by their attire.
 Lawyers’ dress code is a symbol of confidence, discipline, and professionalism. In
India, a lawyer’s dress code is governed by the Bar Council of India Rules, which
require all lawyers to wear a black robe or coat with a white shirt and a white neckband
in accordance with the Advocates Act, 1961.
 In comparison to other professions, lawyers’ dress code is considered to be the most elegant. Judicial Robes are
worn by Judges and Advocates as a sign of respect and loyalty to the court and the Justice. Because the judicial
system is regarded as one of the most respected, it is critical to dress appropriately in the courtroom to
demonstrate respect for the system and the people involved. A lawyer’s uniform in some countries, such as
Canada, is a red and white dress. A lawyer in Europe wears a traditional black wicked jacket over his or her
dress.
The History of Evolution of the Legal Dress Code

 The formal black and white dress worn by lawyers has a history that isn’t quite as black
and white as the dress itself. The evolution of the legal profession’s dress code can be
traced back to the Middle Ages, when lawyers, also known as barristers, solicitors,
advocates, or councillors, dressed similarly to judges. In Great Britain, barristers wore
gowns with stuffed shoulders and glove sleeves that reached elbow length
 The formal black and white dress worn by lawyers has a history that isn’t quite as black
and white as the dress itself. The evolution of the legal profession’s dress code can be
traced back to the Middle Ages, when lawyers, also known as barristers, solicitors,
advocates, or councillors, dressed similarly to judges. In Great Britain, barristers wore
gowns with stuffed shoulders and glove sleeves that reached elbow length.
The Colourful Seventeenth Century

Countries decided on the dress code for legal professionals in the seventeenth century
based on their tastes and preferences. The colour, fabric, and length of the dresses and
gowns of judges, lawyers, and clerks were determined by a Royal mandate in 1602, which
specified the colour, fabric, and length of the dresses and gowns of judges, lawyers, and
clerks. Seasons and days of the week were assigned specific colours. In the United
Kingdom, the Decree of Westminster of 1635 empowered the monarch to determine the
legal profession’s dress code.
 Judges were required to wear a taffeta lined black or violet silk gown with cuffs made
of silk or fur, a matching hood, and a mantle from spring to autumn, depending on the
season. During the winter, the taffeta lining was replaced with a miniver to keep the
judges warm. The judicial dress code of Britain’s American colonies was also regulated
at the time, but the dress code of legal professionals in America was comparatively less
complex than the British dress code.
The Black and White 21st Century

 The 21st-century judicial dress code has undergone significant changes, not only in
terms of style but also in terms of the authority that regulates it. In the United
Kingdom, judges, barristers, and clerks must wear a black silk gown over their suits, a
tie wig, and a band around their necks when attending court. The wearing of a wig is
optional for solicitors and lower court officials. In contrast to the monarchs of the
seventeenth century, the High Court, District Courts, and Circuit Courts now have
jurisdiction over judicial dress codes.
Judges wear a variety of colored mantles that change depending on the type of case and season. Various
colours were used for judicial dress until the seventeenth century; however, black became the
traditional colour for judicial dress later. Black is the judicial colour of dress in France, and it is said
that in 1684, Britain adopted the colour black for its barristers and judges.
 Other European countries have a similar dress code in which judges wear scarlet or
royal blue judicial robes, though this is dictated by tradition rather than written law.
Lawyers and advocates who appear before the European Courts of Justice dress in their
national legal costume, whether it’s a robe or a plain dress.
 Levels of the judiciary in the United States of America wear long, black cloth or silk
gowns with bell-sleeves and yoked necklines. Although male judges are expected to
wear a shirt and tie underneath their robes, they do not wear a wig, special headdress,
or collar.
 The Regulations of the Bar Council of India Regarding Dress Code: The Advocates Act
1961

 As we all know, the British have had a significant influence on the Indian legal system.
As a result, the Advocates Act of 1961 requires all lawyers to wear a black coat or robe
over a white shirt with a neckband. The Advocates Act 1961, Section 49(1)(gg),
establishes the following dress code for senior and other advocates:Chapter IV
Form of Dresses or Robes to be Worn by Advocates
 The dress code for Advocates appearing in the Supreme Court, High Court, subordinate
courts, tribunals, or authorities is governed by Section 49 of the above Rules. They
must wear the following items as part of their sober and dignified attire.
 I. Dress Code for Advocates in India
 Part VI: Rules of the Bar Council of India/Rules under Section 49(1)(gg) of the
Advocates Act, 1961 (Chapter IV). “The form of dresses or robes to be worn by
Advocates appearing before any court or tribunal, having regard to the climatic
conditions,” it says.
 1 coat – With advocates’ gowns, (a) a black buttoned-up coat, chapkan, achkan, black
sherwani, and white bands, or (b) a black open breast coat, stiff or soft white collar, and
white bands.
 2-  Black tie 
 A black-tie may be worn instead of bands in courts other than the Supreme Court, High
Courts, District Courts, Session Courts, or City Civil Courts.
 II. Lady advocates: 
 Black full-sleeved jacket or blouse, stiff or soft white collar with white bands, and
Advocates gowns. With a black open-breasted coat and a white blouse, with or without
a collar, white bands, and white bands.
 Alternatively, sarees or long skirts (white, black, or any mellow or subdued colour
without any print or design) or flares (white, black, black-striped, or grey) or Punjabi
Dress Churidar-Kurta or Salwar-Kurta with or without dupatta (white or black) or
traditional dress with black coat and bands.
 V. Provided further that a black-tie may be worn instead of bands in courts other than
the Supreme Court, High Court, District Court, Sessions Court, or City Civil Court.”

Despite the fact that the Advocates Act does not specify a different gown for Senior
Advocates, they have been seen wearing one that is distinct from the gown worn by all
other advocates. They wore Queen’s Counsel gowns, which have a different pattern
than the ordinary advocate gowns.
Judges must follow the same dress code as Senior Advocates. Male Judges typically
wear white shirts and trousers with a white neckband, a black coat, and a gown,
whereas female Judges typically wear the traditional sari with a white neck band, a
black coat, and a gown. According to the rules, an advocate may not wear bands or
gowns in public places other than in Courts, except on ceremonial occasions and at
such locations as the Bar Council of India or the Court may prescribe.
Conclusion

 The ‘Dress Code’ expresses the sanctity and commitment of lawyers to judicial
institutions while also emphasising their professional responsibility. The ‘Dress Code’
isn’t just a status symbol; it also helps Lawyers maintain discipline and gives them the
strength and confidence to fight for justice. It also gives lawyers a distinct personality
that distinguishes them from other professionals.
 The fundamental goal of legal ethics is to maintain the legal profession’s honour and
dignity, to foster a spirit of friendly cooperation, to ensure the counsel’s honourable and
fair dealings with his clients, and to secure the lawyers’ societal responsibilities. The
appearance of a lawyer in court or during a video conference is not “much ado about
nothing.” It has its own majesty, solemnity, splendour, and grandeur, lending the wearer
a distinct personality.
THANK YOU.