The First Magistrates of Potchefstroom

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2023/v26i0a15593

Keywords:

Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek, judicial officials, magistrates, Potchefstroom, Jacob de Clercq, Piet Louw, JH Grobler, Johannes Hendrik Visage, HS Lombardt, AA Smit, DH Botha, JDE Grimbeek, JC Steyn

Abstract

Although the history of Potchefstroom has been studied extensively already, not much is known about the early judicial officials appointed there. This contribution in honour of Professor Willemien du Plessis upon her retirement attempts to remedy this by taking a closer look at the various individuals appointed as the magistrates for Potchefstroom in chronological order from 1839 to 1862. The scope of this contribution does not allow for an in-depth discussion of each magistrate. Instead, the focus of this study is to determine who the first appointees were and to establish the starting and ending dates of each magistrate's term in office. Where possible, the discussion also includes some personal information and anecdotes about each individual magistrate in order to distinguish them from their predecessors and successors to give the reader a better idea of the personality behind the name. Important judicial (or political) events that took place during each individual's term in office are also highlighted.

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Author Biography

  • Liezl Wildenboer, University of South Africa

    Senior lecturer, Department of Jurisprudence,University of South Africa

References

Bibliography

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Government publications

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Geni 2022 Abraham Scheurkogel https://www.geni.com/people/Abraham-Scheurkogel/6000000013004112871 accessed 8 December 2022

Roux R 2021 A History of Klerksdorp – Part 2: Jacob de Clercq https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK6BAgpZIFQ accessed 17 October 2022

WikiTree 2022 Johannes Hendrik Visagie (abt. 1812-1884) https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Visagie-184 accessed 8 December 2022

Published

23-11-2023

Issue

Section

Special Edition: Legal History

How to Cite

Wildenboer, L. (2023). The First Magistrates of Potchefstroom. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 26, (Published on 23 November 2023) pp 1 - 29. https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2023/v26i0a15593

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