No. 41, Legislative
9 July 1863
I have the honor to transmit for Her Majesty's approval, a Proclamation entitled "The Legal Professions Act 1863," having for object the removal of existing restrictions in British Columbia against the admission of Colonial Barristers and Solicitors to practise in the Courts of that Colony, and to regulate the admissionofManuscript image of duly qualified practitioners by statue instead of—as anterior to the passage of this Act—by Order of Court.
2. By this Act there may be admitted to be enrolled as Barristers of the Supreme Court of British Columbia all persons of good conduct and repute whomayManuscript image may have taken the Degree of Doctor of Civil Law at any University in the United Kingdom or who have been duly called or admitted to Practice in any of Her Majesty's Superior Courts in any part of Her Majesty's dominions, and also all persons of good conduct and repute who shall have been duly instructed within the Colony in the knowledgeandManuscript image and practice of Law; and as Solicitors and Attornies of the said Court all persons actually enrolled and entitled to practise as Solicitor, Attorney or Proctor in any of Her Majesty's Superior Courts of Law in any part of Her Majesty's dominions, and also all persons who may be instructed within the Colony in the knowledge and practise of Law according to suchregulationsManuscript image regulations as may hereafter be by Law, in that behalf established.
3. I also transmit herewith the Attorney Generals report which fully explains the character of the Act, and I trust it will be found in accordance with the views of Her Majesty's Government.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke
Your Grace's most obedient
Humble Servant
James Douglas
Minutes by CO staff
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ABd 31 Augt
Sanction. This will silence Mr Walkem's complaints. I do not see that it is necessary that the D. of N. should take any more notice of them.
FR 3/9
CF 3
N 7
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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H.P.P. Crease, Attorney General, to Colonial Secretary, 5 June 1863, explaining the ramifications of the act.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 57, 10 September 1863.