ENG-1947 — Page 128

The practice for the time being of the English Courts is in force in the Colony, except where, being inapplicable to the local circumstances, it has been modified by local legislation. In this connection it is of interest to note that the civil procedure of the courts was codified by the Code of Civil Procedure, Ordinance No. 3 of 1901, which modified and, in some instances, excluded some of the provisions of the English Rules of Practice. Such of the laws of England as existed in the Colony on 5th April, 1843, are also in force in the Colony except so far as the laws are inapplicable to local circumstances and subject to legislative modifications thereto.

All civil claims above the sum of $1,000 are heard in the Court's Original Jurisdiction as well as all miscellaneous pro- ceedings concerning questions arising on estates, appointments of trustees, company matters, etc. Civil claims from $5.00 up to and including $1,000 are heard in the Court's Summary Juris- diction by the Puisne Judge as are all matters arising out of distraints for non-payment of rent. Cases in the Probate, Divorce, Admiralty and Bankruptcy jurisdictions of the court are usually heard before magistrates and are committed to the criminal sessions which are held once every month; these cases are usually divided between two judges.

A Right of Appeal exists in all the above cases. Appeals are heard by a Full Court consisting of two or more judges. Under the Magistrates Ordinance, 1932, as amended by Ordinance No. 19 of 1935, any person aggrieved may appeal to a judge from the decision of a magistrate in a summary way. This form of appeal is heard by a single judge who may reserve the appeal or any point in it for consideration by the Full Court, or may direct the appeal or the point to be argued before the Full Court.

The end of the long vacation and the first day of the ordinary session for the month of October of the year under review were marked by a ceremony unique in the history of the Colony. For the first time the pomp and ceremony which mark the opening day of the Assizes in England and in other Colonies was introduced. A Guard of Honour provided by the 1st Battalion the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was inspected by the Chief Justice, Sir Henry Blackall, Kt., K.C., LI.D., robed in red gown and wearing full-bottomed wig. Following the inspection members of the public, which included prominent local citizens, representatives from the three services and members of the legal profession gathered in the First Court to hear the Chief Justice's charge on the state of crime, and other observa- tions germane to the administration of Justice.

Two months later legal history was made when effect was given to the provisions of the Jury (Amendment) Ordinance 1947, by the appointment of four women, for the first time, to sit in the jury which was empanelled to try a capital case.

The Registrar of the Supreme Court in addition to discharg- ing the functions with which the title of his office connects him, also acts in the capacity of Official Trustee, Official Administrator and Registrar of Companies, administering trust estates and

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