Justitia - Why do judges wear robes?

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Q. Why do judges wear robes?

A. A judge’s robe is like a uniform. It shows that the judge represents the judicial branch of government. The robe reminds everyone that the judge interprets the law and makes decisions according to the law. Today, every state judge in Michigan wears a black robe in the courtroom.

A Short History

In the early United States most judges did not wear robes, except for the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. Judicial robes reminded the founders of being ruled by England, since English judges wore robes and wigs in court and for other ceremonies. 

At the beginning of the 20th century, judges across the U.S. began to change their minds. They started to think of the robe as an important symbol of justice. By 1909 justices of the Michigan Supreme Court wore judicial robes when they met in the courtroom at the State Capitol in Lansing.

It took many years before all trial court judges wore robes in court. Many preferred to wear business suits instead of judicial robes. Some said that robes were too hot in summer. Others thought that wearing a robe did not automatically make a person a good judge.

Over time, more and more judges believed that robes added dignity to the courtroom. In 1973 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.

See also: Best of Justitia: Judges (PDF)

“When acting in his or her official capacity in the courtroom, a judge shall wear a black robe.” MCR 8.115(B).