VPRS 474 Returned Commissions for Commissioners for Taking Affidavits

Commissioners of the Supreme Court were appointed by the Chief Justice for the taking of affidavits in Victoria, interstate and overseas. The duration of the Commission and the extent of the jurisdiction was defined in the Commission. Many of the Commissions were applicable only whilst the holder resided in a particular district or was the holder of a specific office such as Clerk of the Court or officer in charge of a police station. Commissions were also issued to practising barristers and solicitors, municipal officials and other local persons of good character and community standing.This series consists of Commissions returned to the Supreme Court when they became invalid or were revoked. This usually occurred because the person was no longer resident in the district for which the Commission had been granted or no longer held a specific office or position. Other papers in this series consist of Dead Letters and other miscellaneous correspondence related to Commissions.