Email a copy of 'Why judges in Malawi and former British colonies still wearing wigs?' to a friend

* Required Field






Separate multiple entries with a comma. Maximum 5 entries.



Separate multiple entries with a comma. Maximum 5 entries.


E-Mail Image Verification

Loading ... Loading ...

Sharing is caring!

12 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Hlabezulu Ngonoonda
Hlabezulu Ngonoonda
6 years ago

In colonial times, traditional leadership was used as an instrument of indirect rule in the appointment of chiefs. The system in turn was used to undermine traditional indigenous governance and judicial structures. Colonialists’ interference in traditional leadership led to abuse of that system, and it paved way for the introduction of the English legal system, which is another relic of the colonizers. The robe and the wig are the very embodiment of that legal system. Abandoning it for more traditional attires could be favourable. In typical traditional attire, one would imagine a presiding judge wearing a headband made of leopard… Read more »

Phwado
Phwado
6 years ago

Even The speakers of Malawi Parliament and their table clerks!KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!Akuti Joker!kkkkkkkkk

Ceaser Mtonga
Ceaser Mtonga
6 years ago

It is good that such questions are coming up in the minds of Africans at such a time when we need more reasoning and re thinking. We need to understand that we have been influenced by the colonialists in different aspects. The way of talking, life style and the like. We may not manage to get everything off in a short time but let us get rid of what we can. One of the things we need to rid of is the mentality of seeing the white guy as a guru. We need to get rid of this mindset that… Read more »

Gogodasi
6 years ago

Britain has always been Great Britain whether one likes it or not. Its influence is all over the world. If the Americans has a problem with the British, it should not affect all of us. Britain has been a shining example in many respects. Why do Americans wear suits which was started by the British? Former Tanzanian Nyerere never wore a tie, but he consequences were overwhelming – he never enjoyed public respect because he looked like a messenger or wheel barrow pusher. Why do many countries have the parliamentary system of democracy? In fact the whole of Africa except… Read more »

Evilsooty
6 years ago

It’s no longer our concern what they do so why should we care? They can wear bin liners if they want.

MeganBToo
6 years ago

Where but Africa could healthcare be considered colonialism. What about we stop giving them charity and let them stand on their own feet? Remove all traces of colonialism, they have been independent for decades, let them feed and care for their own people, it must be time soon.

Dumisani
Dumisani
6 years ago
Reply to  MeganBToo

Actually that would be very nice, that’s the only we are going to be independent, there will be a cost to pay but later we are going to pick up! We need to be free of your lethal terms seemingly innocent.

Nyasa Times
Nyasa Times
6 years ago

I could not agree more. The retention of wigs and gowns by lawyers and judges in former colonies, despite being jettisoned by the “mother country”, is paradoxical. One the one hand, these countries proudly trumpet their independence and ability to think for themselves, whilst on the other they retain the very symbols of their past subjugation. Some of these very same countries have rejected the Queen as the head of state and no longer accept the Privy Council as their final court of appeal. So why on earth retain wigs and gowns for judges and lawyers, when they are clearly… Read more »

Vuvuzella
Vuvuzella
6 years ago

At last someone has asked the question i have always had…..whyyyy??? whats with the wiggy thingy…

Gogodasi
6 years ago

I am not surprised that this article originates from Washington Post. This is typical of American way of looking at things because they are fighting for supremacy. No wonder North Korea is arrogant, it is simply following the footsteps of America. One day America will be brought down to ashes. See how it has been battered by series of hurricanes – their president doesn’t believe there is climate change. His argument is purely based on trying to be different from the rest and not knowledge.

Steve
Steve
6 years ago

Nice article. We indeed need to rethink and get over this archaic dressing code. Why cant the bench-men choose their own style of dress apart from this colonial bereft dressing?? They cant choose??

Awize
Awize
6 years ago
Reply to  Steve

Despite being started by the colonialists, every profession is blessed with its attire and we feel good when we see this around us. Nurses, medical doctors, miners etc they have theirs which anybody can easily recognise them. Brittons are influential. High quality education is from Britain, Americans in 200 years or so ago were colonised by the British, suits, neckties are all good. Iam not a lawyer by profession, by I love the attire of the judges and they look nice in the courtroom. That’s a standardization for all judges, other Africa can promote its own ideologies, that is, witchcraft,… Read more »

Read previous post:
Malawi Police set free 14 National IDs registration officials: Paper condemns arbitrary arrest

Malawi Police has released the 14 National Registration Bureau (NRB) officers  who were arrested in Mzuzu after Minister of Home...

Close