Canon XII On Discipline (clause 4) recommended that "the Bishop shall appoint from among the members of the Church in his Diocese some layman learned in the law of the degree of Barrister to the Office of Legal Assessor". In 1890, Bishop A.W. Sillitoe appointed Gordon E. Corbould as Legal Assessor. His duties were as follows: "namely to assist the Bishop with advice at the hearing of causes in the Bishop's Court appointed by this Canon"; the appointment was made "by faculty under the Bishop's hand and corporate seal, and [was] revocable at the Bishop's pleasure" (Episcopal acts, 1890). The Legal Assessor assists the Bishop in trials deemed to be ecclesiastical offences. Schism, immorality, conduct causing scandal, negligence in performing official duties, and contempt of the court are considered offences of the laity; offences of the clergy are false doctrine, heresy or schism, immorality, conduct causing scandal, neglect of duty, and contempt of court. Penalties are imposed on proof of any of these offences. The Legal Assessor, together with the Bishop, draws up rules for the procedure of the Bishop's Court, and a tariff of costs and expenses to be allowed as between the parties in each case. These rules and tariffs have to be presented to the Synod of the Diocese for confirmation. The Legal Assessor is an ex-officio member of the Synod and of the Diocesan Council; he is eligible for re-appointment. He is also a member of the Committee on Constitution and Canons. He may perform other duties as required by the Bishop. He performs the duties of Registrar during the absence of the Registrar and during the vacancy in the office of the Registrar.
published
BCAUL control number: ANGNW-582
Sous-fonds consists of correspondence, minutes, reports, financial and legal records, printed material. Includes minutes and reports of the Diocesan Council and various standing committees; revisions of Canons presented for approval to the Constitution and Canons Committee; reports; legal records (drafts and copies); financial records, financial agreements; copies of Convening Circulars (1982-1986), notes, printed material.
Previously in the custody of Donald Paul, successor to Douglas MacAdams as Legal Assessor.
Access is restricted to files containing personal data as per FOI legislation of civil province of British Columbia.