Seeing black lawyer robes in Canada is just something we are accustomed to, but have you ever wondered why the robes are black? There is plenty of history behind the traditional legal attire that comprises barrister robes, shirts, and pants that includes details about why black was and is the colour you see in courtrooms around the world.
One of the simplest reasons that black robes were originally chosen was because dyes were not widely available when barrister robes became part of the legal dress.
Discover More About Why Lawyer Robes in Canada Are Black
In addition to the limited variety of fabric when robes became the norm many centuries ago, the colour black is also thought to represent authority and power. It has been said that lawyers in Toronto and around the globe continue to wear black to show their submission to justice and to signify that the law is blind, considering only the weight of evidence and no other factors.
Additional reasoning for black barrister robes is as follows:
- A black robe adds gravitas to the role of a lawyer and provides a unique visual to their professional image.
- Wearing a black barrister gown and waistcoat indicates participation in and support of the justice system and gives lawyers a sense of being upholders of equality under the law.
- The colour black can represent dignity, honour, and wisdom, and these are values that every lawyer has to uphold. This also helps build credibility and respect among clients and society.
- Wearing nearly identical black robes is also a way of showing that all lawyers are equally bound in their duty to uphold the law and justice.
As black legal robes have been worn for centuries, they have come to represent a qualified person who is capable of handling complicated legal issues. Black lawyer robes in Canada are a universal symbol of the legal profession.
Find Quality Lawyer Robes in Toronto
Harcourts has been supplying lawyers with barrister gowns and waistcoats and other legal attire for more than one hundred years. We’re well versed in the requirements and the history of legal attire and as such, we provide custom robes that reflect the distinct importance of the legal profession. All of our robes are still individually cut, sewn, and tailored, resulting in the highest quality robes available. To find out more about ordering your legal robes from Harcourts, contact us.
