The Reception of the English Law Abroad
Published 2007
RRP AUD 88.00
560 pages
ISBN 9780975123096
The reception of English law abroad has antecedents that can be traced back as far as Ireland in the late 12th century. But it is to the settlement of Virginia 400 years ago that the legal systems of the former colonial empire owe their beginnings.
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About SCQL
The Supreme Court of Queensland Library is the primary legal information provider in Queensland, servicing:
- the Queensland Courts, including the Supreme, District and Magistrates Courts;
- members of the legal profession;
- libraries;
- researchers;
- schools; and
- members of the public.
For contact information, as well as location and access details, see Visiting the SCQL.
The Library maintains an extensive research quality collection and provides a range of information services, including reference and research assistance, document delivery, judgment indices and current awareness. These services are widely available to members of the legal profession and, in most instances, to the Queensland public.
The principal collection and service centre is located on level 4 of the Law Courts Complex in Brisbane, with a subsidiary collection adjacent to the Judges' Chambers in the Supreme Court. Collections are also housed at regional courthouses in Cairns, Ipswich, Mackay, Maroochydore, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Townsville.
The Library is administered by the Library Committee under the Supreme Court Library Act 1968. The Committee is chaired by a Supreme Court Judge appointed by the Chief Justice, and is comprised of representatives from the District Court, Magistrates Courts, Queensland Bar Association, Queensland Law Society and the Department of Justice.
In 2000, the Library established the Supreme Court History Program to preserve Queensland’s legal heritage and ensure its accessibility to the wider community. Curatorial functions include oral history, publishing, lectures, exhibitions and displays, as well as providing a repository for the collection and preservation of Queensland’s legal history. In recent years, the Supreme Court of Queensland Library has also initiated related programs, including a scholarly Publishing Program and Historical Document Digitisation Program.
Public Gallery
The SCQL curates a public gallery of exhibits and displays in the Rare Books Precinct, located on level 2 of the Law Courts Complex. The gallery features two permanent exhibits, the Library’s Rare Books Room and the replica of the QGSY Lucinda Smoking Room, which together form a focal attraction for visitors to the Courts. Legal heritage displays have also been designed for educational and community interest, alongside topical exhibitions relating to the law.
Rare Books Room
The Rare Books Room was officially opened on 11 February 2000 by then Governor of Queensland, Major General Peter Arnison AC CVO. The event coincided with an inaugural oration in the Banco Court, delivered by the late Right Honourable Sir Harry Gibbs GCMG AC KBE. The occasion was also marked by an exhibition exploring the origins of the Supreme Court of Queensland, focusing on its legal constitution, personnel and infrastructure. The Rare Books Room houses treasures from the Library’s rare books collection and other unique items of legal memorabilia selected for display.
QGSY Lucinda replica
The replica of the QGSY Lucinda Smoking Room, on level 2 of the Law Courts Complex, was officially opened by Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Bolton AO on 30 March 2001. The re-creation of the Smoking Room was undertaken by the Library to contribute to the national celebrations of the centenary of the Australian federation. The room has great constitutional significance, as the location where Sir Samuel Griffith and his party substantially drafted the Australian Constitution, and now serves as a fitting historical reminder for visitors to the Courts.
Community groups wishing to arrange a tour of these displays and the Law Courts Complex can submit a request using our online bookings system.