The Supreme Court of Canada is marking its 150th anniversary this year and decided for the first time in 39 years to have a formal opening ceremony that involved an unveiling of sorts that has provoked debate among the legal profession.

The judges of the court donned new robes. New black fabric was highlighted with red piping on the fringes. Absent were the red robes with white mink fur trim, fondly known as “Santa robes.”

The simpler, made-in Quebec gowns are meant to represent a balance between weighty tradition and openness to future legal developments. They are also meant to reflect Canada’s identity and values more authentically, Chief Justice Richard Wagner told the Canadian Bar Association’s magazine, The National .

“They have a modern and simple design that echoes our commi

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