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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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To prove Larceny Bodily fear v [?Tarch] 470 Property From person agst will Feloniously ie armed[?] f[?] Violence need he but slight [?Tarch] 463 [?]Mrs Jeffries case No Watch case Req[?] Taking carrying away Subsequence person violence Sections under which indicted Robbery aggravated [?] See 42 [?] Act Tarch 1-474 Punisht Penalty[?] Life to 2 yrs if subsequent violence not proved may he [?] guilt of robbery only or Larceny [?] Tarch 1-462 sec 39 Penalty[?] 14 yrs or Assault with intent 1. Tarch 458 & 474 (misdemeanor [?]) Sec 41 Penalty 3 yrs or C[?] Assault sec 51 Prov [?] Tarch[?] 474
Additionl Punisht Convicted of indictable misdemeanor F[?] Sureties of Felony Sureties 1 [?Tarch] 639
Reg v Chang [?] Robbery with aggravating circumstances Defin "Robbery" 1 [?Tarch] 461 with "aggravated [?] [?] 474 + 476 Witnesses Choo Kook Lee Fook On Yuen Ah D[?] 2y[?] Ah Lock Facts 2p.m. 3 Octr 1879 Deft goes to Lee Fooks house Choo Kool and Lee Fook there Pr[?] [?] demands pay of money of Choo Kook She refuses don't own it grabs hold of her takes gold pin Woman screams Lee Fook interferes Chang head[?] Knocks him down Woman keeps on screaming Other Chinaman come in from back room adjourning[?] [?]from street Chang [?] makes escape with the pin
BC Archives GR-0419 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. / ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Box 18 File 1879/31 / Attorney General documents.