Media briefing: courtroom couture

08/04/2009

On Tuesday, 7 April, Radio National's Law Report studied the issue of court attire. Among the guests was Jim Farmer QC, former head of the New Zealand Bar. When asked about the effect of New Zealand's decision to abandon wigs in civil and criminal trials roughly 14 years ago, Mr Farmer said:�

"I don't think it's been a good move. I think it's led to probably a lowering of standards in courtroom etiquette in particular. I think people possibly don't regard it as quite the serious forum for settlement disputes that they previously used to, when it had all the trappings of a court room."

To view a transcript of the show, or to download an audio file of the show, visit the Radio National Law Report web page.

**8 April 2009 **