WORKINGS OF PRIVY COUNCIL DESCRIBED TO HISTORICAL ASSN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18208, 15 July 1927, Page 3

WORKINGS OF PRIVY COUNCIL DESCRIBED TO HISTORICAL ASSN.

The monthly meeting of the New Zealand Historical Association was held at Canterbury College last evening An address on “The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council” was delivered bv Mr M. J. Gresßon, who has recently returned from England, where ho appeared before the Privy Council. Professor A j J. Grant presided over a good attendance. The King is the * fountain-head of every court of law or justice. When the Court arises it is to salute the King's Judge. The chief matter of interest to New Zealand, regarding the J udicial Committee of the Privy Council, is that it is the supreme Court of justice in the Empire. No matter wliat judgment is given by any Court in the dominions an appeal can always be made to the Privy Council. In England, different conditions prevail. Of the three Courts there, the Court of King's Bench, Court of Appeal and the House of Lords, the latter is the supreme and deciding’ tribunal. This is because a case heard before the House of Lords has the sanction of the King, who has the right to preside over the House. The same men comprise the judicial committees 6f both the Privy Council and tho House of Lords. The Judicial Committee of tho Privy Council Is composed of five law Lord’s who determine the judgment with which they advise the King. Therefore ah judgments are by majority. The Judicial Committee must come to a decision on whatever case Is being hoard and advise the King according I v The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which is undoubtedly the highest. the most influential and the most impartial Court in the world, is composed of the following:—The Lord High Chancellor and ex-Lord Chancellors, cer- j tain Law 7 Lords, all of whom have I reached the highest standard of legal • knowledge; certain high legal officials f such as the Lord Chief Justice, and five Colonial Judges. Two New Zealanders I have sat on the Judicial Committee. I Thu first. Sir Joshua Williams, who sat! for two years, and the second, Sir Rob- | ert Stout. .Ur Gresson then outlined some of his! personal experiences in his recent ap- 1 pe.uance bet ore the Privy Council, con-f eluding with the statement that he came i away with a firm belief in the work i and principle of the Privy Council The men who comprised this body were men possessing a wonderful knowledge of de .n, V e ed ou f t r °t?ndiSl l£a, r u 'Wiamazing adaptability 'of Privy' Councillors. Cases from all parts of the Empire were dealt with in the same efficient and able manner. How great is the influence of the Privy Council is realised when it is seen that, the whole of the legal procedure of the Empire is controlled by ft. Tho reel asset to the dominions was that there was always the right of appeal in the event of a wrong or unfair Judgment being given by any of the colonial Courts of Justice. There was little of pomp or splendour about the Prlvv Council. The Judicial Committee in a quiet little room in a house of un- ! pretentious appearance, situated ir. Downing Street. The Law Lords w-or* neither gowns nor wigs, a stranger is struck by the almost complete absence At the conclusion of his address, Mr Gresson answered many questions from . members, who accorded him a vote of l thanks.