No. 74
7 December 1861
With reference to your Grace's despatch No 50 of the 5th April, I have the honor herewith to forward for the information of your Grace copy of a Report made by the Chief Justice of VancouversIslandManuscript image Island upon the Petition of Mr John Copland, praying for admission to practice as an Attorney in the Courts of this Colony.
2. I also forward a Petition addressed to The Queen upon the same subject from Mr Copland.
3. The whole matter is so fully discussed and explained in theReportManuscript image Report of the Chief Justice that it is unnecessary for me to add more than the remark that I consider Mr Coplands case might be safely left to be dealt with by the local Legislature.
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 3 Febr
TFE 4 Feby
Mr Gairdner
I shd be glad to see the Order in Council of 4 April 1856.
It is annexed.
GG 5/2/62
Duke of Newcastle
Mr Copland appears to me to have suffered unduly (though not illegally) from the opposition of local lawyers. I annex a draft.
FR 5/2
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 85, 7 February 1862, recommending that Copland be admitted to practice in Vancouver Island after a years instruction in that Colony.
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Elliot to J. Duncan, Lord Advocate, 17 February 1862, referring to the dispute over Copland's practicing law in Vancouver Island, and enclosing copy of the despatch to Douglas advising that steps might be taken to alter the requirements.
Minutes by CO staff
(To be sent after the despatch to the Govr has left England).
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Chief Justice David Cameron to Colonial Secretary, 30 November 1861, explaining in detail why Copland was denied permission to practice law in Vancouver Island (eighteen pages).
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Petition to Queen Victoria asking for permission to practice law in the Colony, dated 24 July 1861, signed by John Copland.
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Copy of Certificate from James Duncan testifying that Copland served as his clerk for five years and recommending that he be allowed to practice law in Vancouver Island, 21 March 1861, signed by Duncan and H.B. Dewar.
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Petition endorsing Copland's application to be allowed to practice law in Vancouver Island, 22 July 1861, approximately 100 signatures.