August 28, 1997
(Justice)

The following is being distributed at the request of Chief Justice T. Alex Hickman:

Supreme Court of Newfoundland, Trial Division, Circuit to Trinity

Chief Justice T. Alex Hickman announced today that there will be a special sitting of the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland at Trinity, Trinity Bay on Thursday, September 4, 1997.

Prior to the sitting of the Supreme Court of Trinity, there will be a service in St. Paul's Anglican Church at 9:30 a.m. followed by a procession to the Court House for the opening of Court at 10:00 a.m.

"This special circuit is being held during this 500th. year of celebration, and is in recognition of the important role that the Supreme Court of Newfoundland has played in the development of Newfoundland since the first Court of Admiralty to be held in North America sat in Trinity on June 4, 1615," said Chief Justice Hickman. "The Court was presided over by Sir Richard Whitbourne. There was a circuit of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland to Trinity each year until September 5, 1947."

Several justices of the Supreme Court will be present for the opening of the Fall Term at Trinity, as well as the Federal Commissioner for Judicial Affairs, the Treasurer and Benchers and members of the Law Society. A Guard of Honour will be provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Two candidates will be called to the Bar of Newfoundland during this sitting.

Members of the public are invited to attend the Church service at St. Paul=s Church as well as the opening of the Fall Term of the Supreme Court to be held at the Court House in Trinity.

Contact: Denise Hammond (709) 729-4141.