Anatomy of a Scandal: What is the Queen’s Counsel?
By Mads Lennon
Anatomy of a Scandal is out now on Netflix and the British courtroom drama uses several terms and concepts that people outside of the United Kingdom and certain Commonwealth countries might not understand.
As a British series, you’ll frequently hear references to the Queen, the Queen’s Counsel, barristers and more. If any of the terms or scenes taking place in the courtroom throughout the six-episode first season are confusing to you, we can help you understand what’s happening.
Below we’ll look into what, exactly, the “Queen’s Counsel” is, the definition of a barrister and even why you see characters like Kate Woodcroft (Michelle Dockery) and Angela Regan (Josette Simon) wearing wigs during their courtroom scenes!
What is the Queen’s Counsel in Anatomy of a Scandal?
The Queen’s Counsel, or the QC as you might see it mentioned or referred to on the show, refers to a lawyer that is usually a respected trial lawyer appointed by the monarch to serve on “Her Majesty’s Counsel.” If a king was reigning, then it would be the King’s Counsel. In short, it’s a revered position honored by the Crown. Members of the QC might have certain privileges that other attorneys do not. Both Angela (James’ barrister) and Kate (Olivia’s barrister), are members of the QC.
What is a barrister?
Barrister is mostly just a fancy word for lawyer. In England and Wales, barristers are usually trial lawyers who can handle defense or prosecution, as seen in Anatomy of a Scandal. A solicitor is something different, although still a type of lawyer. Solicitors are who you would see in the pre-stages of the trial to get expert legal advice tailored to your case.
Why do the Anatomy of a Scandal barristers wear wigs in court?
Wigs are part of the uniform for barristers in the British court. Solicitors are not usually required to wear them. Judges also wear wigs, though theirs are generally fancier and more ornate.
“Wigs are an emblem of anonymity, an attempt to distance the wearer from personal involvement and a way to visually draw on the supremacy of the law,” says Kevin Newton a Washington, D.C.-based lawyer who studied law at the University of London, per How Stuff Works.
According to the outlet, in the past, not wearing a wig would actually be seen as an insult as they have become such an integral component of the courtroom.
The Guardian published an article last year about the wigs, a staple of the 17th century. Even though they aren’t in use quite as much as they used to be, wigs are still common in the British courtroom, particularly during criminal cases.
"“The wig is a very important part of the criminal justice system,” [James Mulholland QC, a senior barrister] says, “because barristers are independent lawyers fighting for an individual and putting their case forward. They have no personal interest in the case. The wig emphasises their anonymity, their separation, their distancing.”"
In addition to the wigs, barristers also wear formal black gowns. The wigs themselves were originally made of horsehair. To people outside of the U.K., the wigs can seem a little jarring and even anachronistic. It would be easy to mistake Anatomy of a Scandal for happening in another time period if you were unfamiliar.