Judge Matthew Baillie Begbie, also known as the “Hanging Judge,” was a prominent figure in the early legal history of British Columbia, Canada. Born on May 9, 1819, in Mauritius, Begbie eventually became known as one of the most influential judges in the province’s history.
Begbie began his legal career in England, where he was called to the bar in 1849. He gained experience practicing law in London before seeking new opportunities overseas. In 1858, during the Fraser River Gold Rush, he arrived in British Columbia (then a colony known as New Caledonia) to practice law and administer justice.
When Begbie arrived in British Columbia, the region was in turmoil. The influx of gold miners and settlers resulted in a lack of effective governance and law enforcement. In response, the colonial government appointed Begbie as the first judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 1858. He was tasked with establishing order and applying British common law principles in a frontier society.
Begbie presided over numerous high-profile cases during his tenure as a judge. He was known for his stern demeanor, uncompromising approach to justice, and strict adherence to the law. This earned him the nickname “Hanging Judge,” although it is worth noting that he sentenced fewer individuals to death than his reputation suggests.
One of the most famous cases Begbie presided over was the trial of six Tsilhqot’in chiefs in 1864. The chiefs were charged with the murder of several road-building crew members. Begbie found them guilty and sentenced them to death, sparking controversy and debates about the rights of Indigenous peoples and the colonial justice system.
Despite his reputation for strictness, Begbie was also known for his fairness and impartiality. He sought to understand the complexities of the communities he served, especially the Indigenous peoples of the region. He learned some of the local Indigenous languages and showed an interest in their cultures and traditions.
Begbie continued to serve as a judge in British Columbia until his retirement in 1894. He played a crucial role in shaping the province’s legal system and establishing the principles of justice and law that form its foundation today. Begbie’s legacy is mixed, with some viewing him as a respected jurist who helped bring stability and order to a turbulent region, while others criticize his harsh sentencing and his role in the colonial justice system.
