PRACTICE DIRECTION

4 of 2006

WEARING OF WIGS AND GOWNS IN THE FAMILY DIVISION AND

FAMILY CARE CENTRES

________

As from 5 September 2006 barristers appearing in proceedings in the Family Division and family care centres under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction will not be required to wear wigs or gowns unless, by reason of the exceptional nature of the case, the judge in charge of the proceedings otherwise directs.  In view of the nature of these proceedings, members of the Bar are encouraged not to wear wigs and gowns.  Judges will not robe unless, exceptionally, the nature of the proceedings requires them to do so.

Dated this 11^th day of May 2006

Lord Chief Justice