Below, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum brings us a brief chronology of the spots in this city where matters of law have been decided over the years.
More importantly, we also learn how court officials of old were to have comported themselves.
Which seems mostly to have involved very specific instructions about their apparel.
Including that the sherriff was required to wear a hat and sword.
Anyone know what a jabot is? Leave your guesses in the comments (Hint: think frills).
1866 - First courthouse (pictured above) built on the present site
1919 - Demolition of first courthouse started. Excavation and building of basement wall for present courthouse
1922 - Completion of present building (pictured below); all government office in the city were located in this building
1980 - Family and Juvenile Court moved across the street to the former Marks and Spencer location
1990 - Provincial Court criminal administrative office moved across the street also
Instructions to Court Officials
It is most important that the Sheriff be properly dressed.
He shall wear black shoes and dark grey striped trousers of a conservative pattern.
A black morning coat with stand collar, six rows of barred braid across both sides of the front, gauntlet pointed cuffs with braid, and buttons and pocket flaps to match, shall be worn with a regular six-button waistcoat of the same material as the morning coat.
His jabot, to be worn with a wing collar, shall be of fine quality lace and must be worn "flowing" and not under the waistcoat.
During criminal trials at the Supreme Court Assize and General Sessions and at General Sessions of the Peace, the sheriff shall wear his hat and carry his sword at the opening and closing of the court each day.
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