THE Attorney General, Mr Dermot Gleeson SC, appeared in the High Court yesterday without his wig on the first day of the new law term.
The President, Mrs Robinson, signed the Courts Bill into law before Christmas, making the wearing of wigs optional for senior counsel and barristers.
Mr Gleeson, who is defending the challenge by Mr Des Hanafin to the result of the divorce referendum, appeared before the three judges of the special divisional court without the traditional headdress.
He was joined in the break from tradition by Mr Paul Gallagher SC, who is also representing the State.
In other courts there was no marked abandonment of wigs. The former chairman of the Bar Council, Mr Frank Clarke SC, gas wigless, but others clung to the old ways.
Before Christmas, Mr Gerard Hogan became the first barrister to attend court without a wig. He was joined by Mr Peter Charleton SC, who also appeared bare headed.