WIUC has a couple thousands students from different disciplines walking around every day. But you could not have missed the ones who are studying Law. Why? Because they are always dressed in black & white. Our Lifestyle desk find out the reason behind the dress code and how it makes these Law students feel about themselves.
Mr. Ampem Darko (300L)
What is the dress code about?
“Law is a professional course. We are required to dress as lawyers, and also learn how to conduct ourselves. We do this from the very beginning, to get used to it. It is said, that black is a strong colour. It’s not easy to change it into another colour. It stands for the strong will of the judges and the decisions they take. The white stands for how pure their decisions are.”
Do you freely interact with other students on campus?
“Yes, I think the way you interact is a personal thing. If you want to engage freely with other students, you can. There’s nothing special about it. I have friends in other faculties.”
Mary Darkwa (200L)
What happens when a law student is not in the prescribed attire?
“You will be asked to walk out. Its part of the faculty requirements. The reason behind it is to make us look more formal as law students and as future lawyers.”
Ms. Eunice Osafo (300L)
How do you feel about the dress code?
“I believe the dress code make us smart, and connotes some kind of discipline in us. The law profession is such, that if you’re not disciplined you’ll not be able to practice it. It makes me humble and honoured, because we’re the only department that dresses this way.”
We have also spoken to Dr. Peter Wiredu, Assistant Dean for the Law Faculty:
How significant is this dress code to the practice of Law?
“The use of the dress code by lawyers dates back to ancient times. It is colonial inheritance in Common Law countries, countries colonised by the British.
Historically, the use of the black robes was to distinguish members of the legal profession in the courtroom from the public. Lawyers wear the black robes in addition to white tunics and bibs as well as the wigs.
Traditionally, the courts in the UK use the same costumes as the lawyer’s apparel. Generally, Magistrates and Circuit Court Judges use the same dress code, except that superior court judges use red robes when sitting on special cases or for ceremonial purposes.
Just as Ministers of Religion in various Christian churches traditionally wear robes and cassocks to distinguish them from the general congregation. Indeed, a lawyer who appears before a judge without appearing the appropriate attire is often said to be ‘naked’.”
Lifestyle Desk Reporters
Cynthia Asare Ansah (photo credit)
Ishmael Saforo
Joseline Nartey