Why judges wear robes

But English judges also wore colorful robes and ornate wigs—a tradition that was not adopted in the United States. Today, every federal and state judge in the country wears a very similar, simple black robe. I am fond of the symbolism of this tradition. It shows that all of us judges are engaged in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.

We have a common responsibility. Remarkably, this similarity among our judges and justices is purely a matter of tradition. There are no rules that dictate what judges or justices must wear on the bench, nor is there even a common source for Supreme Court robes.

By the 20th century, other materials were often used and judges selected their robes from those available to college graduates and choir singers.

In a court rule was adopted that said all judges and justices must wear a judicial robe while on the bench. There is a similar rule today. Tours may be scheduled for the school year by calling ; call-backs are made on a regular basis. Quick Links. Learning Center Virtual Lessons and Presentations. A Day in Court games for desktop, including Chromebooks. This email was sent to Email Address using Granicus, You received this newsletter because you registered at courts.

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Although no one who knew me then would have mistaken me as someone who was devout, when I put on the white robe, slipped the crucifix around my neck, and helped the priest prepare Holy Communion, I felt different.

I sensed that I was in the presence of something holy. Later, as an adult Latter-day Saint wearing a white robe in the temple, I felt different as well.

The robe was a symbol of an effort to be bound to Christ so that I could better love and serve others. The robe I wear as a judge has no religious function. Indeed, it is a reminder to me that my primary allegiance when acting as a judge is to the Constitution and not to God.

If they are, my obligation is clear. But just as the white robe I wore as an acolyte and now wear as a temple patron remind me that my true self is not at home in this fallen world, so the black robe I wear as a judge reminds me that when adjudicating disputes, I must leave behind my own views. Thomas B. Davis L. Supreme Court justice Felix Frankfurter served on the Court from — Griffith Thomas B.