Court for Divorce and Matrimonial Causes, 1759-1960

Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in Halifax County fonds

1750-1969

295.65 m of textual records
1 microfilm reel

The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia has its origins in the powers given to Governor Edward Cornwallis in the Commission and Royal Instructions issued in London on 6 May 1749. By that instrument, the governor was given plenary powers in judicial matters to establish courts of justice. In 1750, Cornwallis established the General Court, consisting of the Governor and Council. In 1754, the General Court was replaced by the Supreme Court, with Jonathan Belcher appointed first chief justice. During its first two decades the Supreme Court operated only at Halifax. However, between 1774 and 1816 a circuit system was established throughout the province, with individual circuit courts having all the powers of the court at Halifax. The Supreme Court began as a criminal court but soon assumed a civil jurisdiction as well. Its jurisdiction has continued to evolve over its long and complex history.

Fonds consists of twenty five series:
Case files;
Judgment books;
Jury lists and venires;
Jury books;
Process books;
Writs of mesne process registers;
Foreclosure sales of property and goods books;
Executions and attachments registers;
Fire investigation examinations and reports;
Judges' notes and other material;
Docket books;
Index books;
Minute books;
Proceedings books;
Chambers books;
Chambers summons book;
Lawyers' court costs record books;
Fees charged and received registers;
Registers;
Warrants of attorney register;
Equity chambers books;
Court of Commissioners Summary Trial writs of execution;
Court for Divorce and Matrimonial Causes case files;
Bar admission case files; and
Divorce cause books.

Notes

Finding aids:
Series descriptions available.