February 28, 2023

Adam Letourneau, K.C.

In Canada, lawyers don robes during court proceedings as a nod to the history and customs of the legal profession. This custom originated in the United Kingdom, where it was typical for judges and lawyers to dress in robes. In Canada, wearing robes is still typical today and represents the history and customs of the legal profession.

The Standard Robe

The standard lawyer's robe in Canada is black, made of wool or a wool blend, and has long, wide sleeves. The robe is designed to be worn over a petty coat, white shirt and tabs and the roab extends to the feet. It is made of a heavy material to give it a dignified and formal appearance. The petticoat worn under the robe is black with sleeves that extend to the wrists. The white tabs, strips of white cloth extending from the collar of the robe, lay flat against the chest. Wigs are no longer worn by lawyers in Canadian courts (they are in the UK), but the use of robes remains common.

King's Counsel Robes

In Canada, lawyers who are appointed as King's Counsel (K.C.) are entitled to wear silk robes. K.C. is a special honorific that recognizes a lawyer's exceptional merit, contribution to the legal profession, and service to the community. K.C. lawyers wear black silk robes with a slightly different design. These robes are more formal than the standard woolen robes worn by other lawyers.

The Alberta Collar System

In Alberta, judges in the Provincial Court wear black robes and a blue collar, while Justices (what a judge is called there) in the Court of King's Bench wear a red collar. This collar system helps distinguish the rank of the judge in the courtroom.

The History of Robes

In the United Kingdom, where lawyers and judges have worn robes since the 16th century, the use of robes in the legal profession may be traced back to that country. Robes were worn in the early days of the legal profession as a practical precaution to stay warm in chilly courtrooms. But throughout time, robes came to represent the history and customs of the legal profession. When Canada was still a British colony, this custom was introduced to the country. The custom of donning robes has developed to suit Canada's distinctive legal system today, but it still plays a significant role in the legal profession.

In Alberta, lawyers typically wear robes in the Court of King's Bench or Court of Appeal only when there is viva voce evidence, or in other words, live evidence with witnesses. Otherwise, they normally wear suits or other formal attire in the courtroom.

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This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.