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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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INFORMATION AND COMPLAINT FOR AN INDICTABLE OFFENCE.
CANADA,
Province of British Columbia,
City of Vancouver,
THE information and complaint of E.E.Robinson of the City of Vancouver taken this 6th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ten, before the undersigned, A.E.Bull Esq., Police Magistrate and one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the said City of Vancouver, who says that at the said City of Vancouver on the 27th day of June A.D. 1910, Lee Sing and Lee Lewie while carrying offencive weapons to wit: revolvers were unlawfully found with goods liabel to seizure under the law relating to customs, to wit: 4 cans of opium.
Contrary to the form of the Stature in such case made and provided.
(Sgd) E.E.Robinson.
Sworn before me the day and year first above mentioned at said City of Vancouver. (Sgd) A. E. Bull Police Magistrate.
Both accused committed to take their trials at the next Couty of Competent Jurisdiction.
(Sgd) A. E. Bull
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL.
Box 143 File 1910/58 Attorney General documents.