1879/31 Regina vs. Chang New – robbery
As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, the BC Archives has digitized a selection of documents related to criminal prosecutions against the Chinese community from 1866 to 1914, found in GR-0419. These are mainly records created as part of the preliminary hearing held before a judge in order to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. There are often lengthy witness statements, and cross examinations by both prosecution and defense lawyers. The eventual verdict is sometimes recorded on the outside of the docket. They offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th and early 20th century criminal activity around the province, and ways in which the Chinese community was stereotyped. The records offered for transcription here are a small selection; for additional digitized material from GR-0419 click here.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. In addition, GR-0419 records deal with subjects such as assault, murder and abuse, which may upset some readers. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.
*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person.
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Reg vs Chang New. Facts. On 3td October last 2 PM [?] Chang New went into a house where chinaman named Lee Fook resides situate on Government Street. Lee Fook is the tenant and holder of two rooms in the said house . I one of Lee fooks rooms was a woman named Chook Cook and Lee Fook Chang new made his way where the woman was and demanded payment of some money. She denied owing the money. he then grabbed hold of her with one hand and pulled a gold hair pin out of her hair with the other . The woman cried and screamed & Lee Fook who was lying down at the time got up asked the man why he had taken the pin from the woman . Chang New in reply told him it was none of his business caught hold of him & knocked him down & had hold of him when in