John Stephen Curlewis
John Stephen Curlewis, PC (1863 – 24 August 1940, Pretoria, South Africa) was the Chief Justice of the Union of South Africa between 1936 and 1938.[1][2]:7
John Stephen Curlewis | |
---|---|
Chief Justice of South Africa | |
In office 1936–1938 | |
Preceded by | Sir John Wessels |
Succeeded by | James Stratford |
Judge of the Appellate Division | |
In office 1927–1936 | |
Judge of the Transvaal Supreme Court and Transvaal Provincial Division | |
In office 1924–1927 | |
Personal details | |
Born | 1863 Paarl, Cape Colony |
Died | 24 August 1940 (aged 77) Pretoria, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Alma mater | University of Cape Town |
Profession | King's Counsel |
Background
Curlewis was born in Paarl, Cape Colony, the son of Rev. J.F. Curlewis the local rector at the Dutch Reformed Church.[2]:7 He was educated at the Diocesan College, Rondebosch, before joining the Cape Civil Service.[1][2]:7 He then took the LL.B at Cape University, and was called to the Bar of the Cape Supreme Court in 1887.[2]:7 He began to practice in Pretoria in 1888, before being appointed as a judge of the Transvaal High Court in 1903.[1][2]:7 In 1924 he became the Judge President of the Transvaal Provincial Division and in 1927 he was made a Judge of Appeal.[1][2]:7
Curlewis became Chief Justice of the Union of South Africa in 1936, and was made a Privy Counsellor the following year.[2]:7 He resigned from the bench in 1938.[2]:7 He was also acting Governor-General of South Africa in 1933 from June until December.[2]:7
References
- Zimmermann, Reinhard (1996). Southern Cross: Civil Law and Common Law in South Africa. Clarendon Press. p. 124.
- "The Right Hon. J. S. Curlewis. Former Chief Justice of South Africa". The Times (London). 26 August 1940 – via GALE.