Released on September 8, 2022
Upon the recent passing of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and the succession of His Majesty, King Charles III, questions may be asked about the effect on the terminology used in the courts and the legal profession which refer to the monarch.
Please take notice that, in accordance with The Queen's Bench Act, 1998 and The Legislation Act:
- The name of the Court of Queen's Bench changes automatically upon the succession of the King. It is now the Court of King's Bench, and should be referred to by that name henceforth.
- Pleadings and legal documents which have been filed with the Court under the name of "Queen's Bench" continue to be valid. There is no need to amend or re-file the documents. Henceforth, the term "King's Bench" should be used in all pleadings and legal documents.
- The term "Queen's Counsel" changes automatically to "King's Counsel," by operation of law. Any lawyer who was a Queen’s Counsel on September 8, 2022 is now a King’s Counsel, and should now use the abbreviation "K.C" instead of "Q.C.", which is no longer to be used. The French term is now “conseiller du roi” or “conseillère du roi”, replacing “conseiller de la reine” or “conseillère de la reine”. The French abbreviation continues to be “c.r.” There is no need for existing patents of appointment to be re-issued.
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For more information, contact:
Ariane Whiting
Justice and Attorney General
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: cpjumedia@gov.sk.ca