1910/58 Rex .vs Lee Sing and Lee Lewis – carrying dangerous weapons
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
POLICE COURT
(Before A. E. Bull, Esq)
Vancouver B.C. July 8th, 1910.
CANADA
Province of British Columbia
County of Vancouver,
City of Vancouver.
LEE SING AND LEE LEWIE, charged on the information of E. E. Robinson, of the City of Vancouver, on the 6th day of July, 1910 for that the said LEE SING and LEE LEWIE, while carrying offencive weapons, to wit: Revolvers were unlawfully found with goods liable to seizure under the law relating to customs, to wit: Four cases of opium. Contrary to the form of the Statute in such a case made and provided.
J. K. KENNEDY, Esq, Counsel for the Prosecution.
J. A. RUSSELL, Esq., Counsel for the Accused.
Harry LANGLEY, Sworn as stenographer.
W. A. CUMYOW, Sworn as interpreter.
THE COURT: You have the option to be tried before me without the intervention of a jury, or to remain in custody or under bail, as the court decides, to be tried in the ordinary manner by the court having criminal jurisdiction.
MR RUSSEL: Preliminary hearing.
P. C. KINDNESS, called to witness, being first sworn testified as follow, to wit:
DIRECT EXAMINATION
BY MR KENNEDY:
Q You are a Police Officer in the City of Vancouver?
A Yes sir.
BC Archives GR-0419 / Box 143 File 1910/58 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.