Seymour, Governor Frederick to Carnarvon, Earl 18 March 1867, CO 60:27, no. 4403, 377.

XML | Preceding document | Next document | Cite this document

Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Carnarvon, Earl 18 March 1867, CO 60:27, no. 4403, 377.

Abstract

Despatch to London. Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (3).

Seymour describes how Kennedy had intended to pass a law dispensing with unanimity in a Jury in Criminal Cases and notes that Needham, Begbie, and Crease are advising Seymour not to follow through with Kennedy’s proposed changes. Included documents relate the positions of Needham, Begbie, and Crease.

No. 49

18th March 1867

My Lord,

I find among the papers in the Governor's office at Victoria, Mr Secretary Cardwell's despatch No. 69 of 1st December 1865 which would appear not to have been actedon

on in any way. Mr Kennedy had recommended that a Law should be passed dispensing with unanimity in a Jury in Criminal Cases. Mr Cardwell states that he will be prepared to submit for Her Majesty's sanction a Law passed for this object if that Law is otherwise unobjectionable.

2. I am not aware that the present law has worked badly. I referred the matter for the consideration of Mr Needham, late Chief Justiceof

of Vancouver Island, of Mr Begbie, Judge of the Court of British Columbia, and of Mr Crease, the Attorney General. Your Lordship will observe that all these are against Mr Kennedy's suggested alteration. Under these circumstances I shall not move in the matter without further instructions.

I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your most obedient humble Servant
Frederick Seymour