gee.. it has taken away something special about the barrister's dressing...Wearing the Gown is something very exclusive to barristers... Well at least I still get to wear them as i am not practicing in the UK's jurisdiction. the only problem i am facing is that wearing the gown is kinda hot in where i practice...Malaysia.

Darren Teo, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

To Debs in Leeds,

Or maybe the grossly inefficient Solicitor / Barrister system should be replaced with a simple Lawyer as in the United States?

Rhodri, London,

Where was the public clamour for change? At least keep bands with a gown for advocates. What is being suggested - collar and tie? What colour tie? Any chance of Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck ties? And what for women? How are we going to differentiate between a silk and an usher? And please, nothing too European - this is a common law jurisdiction. What is worn in Australia and New Zealand? Methinks Denning will be turning in his grave - and Hailsham will be spinning!

Nicholas Whitsun-Jones, Yeovil, Somerset

Speaking as a barrister-in-training, it seems to me that if solicitor-advocates want to wear wigs and gowns and talk in court in front of judges, they should flipping well do the BVC like the rest of us!

Debs, Leeds,

I have seen TV coverage of US court cases, and I feel there is some value in maintaining distrinctions. I found it easy to confuse Scooter Libby and his lawyers, and I would not want to risk accidentally insulting a British lawyer in the exercise of his professinal duties.

Dave Bell, Barnetby,

Another tradition swept away. Why should we always level downwards and bow to those who think they know best?

Graham Kendrick, Gloucester, United Kingdom

Although it may hit the wigmakers trade and benefit lawyers pockets surprise, surprise, I don't suppose that leaving off wigs will make any difference to the lenient sentences passed . But shouldn't they have thought about the less than imposing presence that some have which is only saved by the wearing of the wig.

A R Llewellyn, Cardiff, UK

It a terrible mistake to do away with wigs in civil cases. Our legal tradition and culture is unique and represents continuity with the past. The majority of barristers want to keep the wig and gown. The present gowns were introduced to mark the death of Charles 1. Thankfully they are to be retained for criminal cases at least.

Mumin Hashim, Harrow, UK

Michael Caplan is not right, barristers wear the wig and gown because they have earned the right to do so. If solicitor-advocates want to wear the same Court dress they should take and pass the Bar Finals.

There should be no ban on Court dress until the entirety of the Bar and HM Court Service have been consulted in full for their views.

Gladiatrix, London, England

Please oh please let them replace the garb with something a bit more colourful for both judges and lawyers. The current dress is so drab. Something like they have in France which can easily be put on and taken off and which covers everything so you can wear whatever you like underneath. That should keep everyone happy.

Kevin, Dublin,