Why judges in England and Australia wear white, curly wigs?

They're out of fashion. Wigs for men are so 18th century. "After the fall of the Roman Empire, the use of wigs fell into disuse in the West for a thousand years until they were revived in the 16th century as a means of compensating for hair loss or improving one's personal appearance. They also served a practical purpose: the unhygienic conditions of the time meant that hair attracted head lice, a problem that could be much reduced if natural hair were shaved and replaced with a more easily de-loused artificial hairpiece. In the 18th century, men's wigs were powdered in order to give them their distinctive white or off-white color. Powdered wigs (men) and powdered natural hair with supplemental hairpieces (women) became essential for full dress occasions and continued in use until almost the end of the 18th century. During the 18th century, men's wigs became smaller and more formal with several professions adopting them as part of their official costumes. This tradition survives in a few legal systems. They are routinely worn in various countries of the Commonwealth. Until 1823, bishops of the Church of England and Church of Ireland wore ceremonial wigs. The wigs worn by barristers are in the style favoured in the late eighteenth century. " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wig

So they can have people laugh at them? Always thought that was pretty weird but guess at one time it may have connoted rank or authority.

I found this (for what it's worth!): "One reason why they wear the white wigs and the black robes is to do with the rapid turnover of monarchs in the tudor period. It was a protest, 'mourning' the illegal (as they worked the courts and knew the cases were rigged) execution of Marie Queen Of Scots (amongst others). The wigs denote experience (through size) and also denote they are 'different' from their normal selves whilst in court and putting their personal emotions aside; whoever you are, you always have the right to an impartial, professional lawyer. Trust me, no matter what your views on bias in the law you want both sides balanced. I've worked with 'string-em-up' types who soon change their tune when accused of speeding or a late tax disk. Then they are glad that defense and prosecution are both always impartial. This is the same thinking as behind many uniforms- for example police, army, nurses - all say 'while I am on duty, I put my own feelings aside and represent the law/state/medical system'."

Rumour has it they were originally to hide their identities.