Black Cap
Encyclopedia
In English law
, the black cap was worn by a judge
when passing a sentence of death
. Although it is called a "cap
", it is not made to fit the head like a typical cap does; instead it is a simple plain square made of black fabric. When worn, it is placed on the head on top of the judicial wig
, with one of the four corners of the black fabric facing outward.
The death penalty has now been abolished in England and Wales
, but the black cap is still part of a judge's official regalia
, and as such it is still carried into the High Court
by each sitting judge. It is worn every year on 9 November when the new Lord Mayor of the City of London is presented to the Law Courts
.
English law
English law is the legal system of England and Wales, and is the basis of common law legal systems used in most Commonwealth countries and the United States except Louisiana...
, the black cap was worn by a judge
Judge
A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. The judge is supposed to conduct the trial impartially and in an open...
when passing a sentence of death
Capital punishment
Capital punishment, the death penalty, or execution is the sentence of death upon a person by the state as a punishment for an offence. Crimes that can result in a death penalty are known as capital crimes or capital offences. The term capital originates from the Latin capitalis, literally...
. Although it is called a "cap
Cap
A cap is a form of headgear. Caps have crowns that fit very close to the head and have no brim or only a visor. They are typically designed for warmth and, when including a visor, blocking sunlight from the eyes...
", it is not made to fit the head like a typical cap does; instead it is a simple plain square made of black fabric. When worn, it is placed on the head on top of the judicial wig
Wig
A wig is a head of hair made from horsehair, human hair, wool, feathers, yak hair, buffalo hair, or synthetic materials which is worn on the head for fashion or various other aesthetic and stylistic reasons, including cultural and religious observance. The word wig is short for periwig and first...
, with one of the four corners of the black fabric facing outward.
The death penalty has now been abolished in England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales is a jurisdiction within the United Kingdom. It consists of England and Wales, two of the four countries of the United Kingdom...
, but the black cap is still part of a judge's official regalia
Regalia
Regalia is Latin plurale tantum for the privileges and the insignia characteristic of a Sovereign.The word stems from the Latin substantivation of the adjective regalis, 'regal', itself from Rex, 'king'...
, and as such it is still carried into the High Court
High Court of Justice
The High Court of Justice is, together with the Court of Appeal and the Crown Court, one of the Senior Courts of England and Wales...
by each sitting judge. It is worn every year on 9 November when the new Lord Mayor of the City of London is presented to the Law Courts
Royal Courts of Justice
The Royal Courts of Justice, commonly called the Law Courts, is the building in London which houses the Court of Appeal of England and Wales and the High Court of Justice of England and Wales...
.