NRS-2659 | Minutes of proceedings [Court of Civil Jurisdiction]

Full description

These volumes record the date of sitting, members present, the nature of the action and the judgement of the Court. The arguments put forward by both parties are also summarised. Where an action concerned a business document (such as a promissory note) which was tendered in evidence, a copy of the document was also made.

On the whole, these minutes are briefer than those in the Rough minutes as the cross examination of witnesses were not copied up. These minutes do include some extra detail for minor cases, and where applicable, note the names of "attorneys" appearing for litigants.

They include schedules of returns of summonses, writs granted on affidavits sworn in court, writs of capias issued and summonses granted.

In some instances General Rules of the Court were entered, for example arrangements for issuing executions by the Court; where an appeal from the decision of the Court was lodged with the Governor this was normally recorded.

From 1810 the minutes of proceedings were given a running number within each volume. Where, however, a case was heard on several different days, perhaps covering a number of months or even years, the minutes of each hearing were allocated different numbers.

The dates for this series are based upon the contents dates of the State archives held in custody.

1799-1801 (2/8150), 1808-14 (5/1102-11). 11 vols.