Brewer's: Judges' Robes

In the criminal courts, where the judges represent the sovereign, they appear in full court dress, and wear a scarlet robe; but in Nisi Prius Courts the judge sits merely to balance the law between civilians, and therefore appears in his judicial undress, or violet gown.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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