Nova Scotia. Royal Commission Concerning Jails in the Province of Nova Scotia

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Authorized form of name

Nova Scotia. Royal Commission Concerning Jails in the Province of Nova Scotia

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      Other form(s) of name

      • Campbell Commission

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      Dates of existence

      1931-1933

      History

      The Nova Scotia Royal Commission Concerning Jails in the Province of Nova Scotia, also known as the Campbell Commission, was created on December 29, 1931. Alexander J. Campbell, senior lawyer in Truro, was appointed chairperson along with Reverend Charles F. Curran of Halifax, Dr. Samuel W. Williamson of Yarmouth, Justice A.D. Campbell of Sydney and Professor S.H. Prince of Halifax as co-commissioners. Its mandate was to investigate and make recommendations for improvement of the conditions of all jails and their administration in the province. The Royal Commission held 40 public and private meetings attended by 1000 citizens, received evidence from over 200 witnesses, and consulted with municipal officials, supreme court judges, police, and leading world experts. They conducted visits of inspection to all jails, and many lock-ups and police stations in 24 towns across Nova Scotia. They visited other jails, reformatories and penal institutions in Ontario and Quebec, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The Commission found that generally existing accommodations in jails were unfit for human habitation, and among their recommendations suggested the establishment of a central provincial institution based on a prison farm model, not sending women to male facilities, and better community support for released inmates. The Royal Commission submitted its report to Government in 1933 and then disbanded.

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      Final

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      Dates of creation, revision and deletion

      CREATED 2022-12-02 Karen White
      Revised 2023-01-11 Karen White (edited title, history, dates of existence)

      Language(s)

      • English

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