Wales - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition wales

Definition :

Wales. After Edward I. conquered the Welsh the line of their ancient princes was abolished, and the King of England's eldest son was created their titular prince, and the territory of Wales was then entirely annexed to the British Crown. The Act 27 Hen. 8, c. 26, confirmed by 34 & 35 Hen. 8, c. 36, gave the utmost advancement to their civil prosperity by admitting them to a thorough communion of laws with the subjects of England.

By the Wales and Berwick Act, 1746 (20 Geo. 2, c. 42), it is declared that where England only is mentioned in any Act of Parliament, it shall be deemed to comprehend the dominion of Wales and town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

By 1 Wm. 4, c. 70, the jurisdiction of the Court of Great Sessions was abolished, and assizes are held in Wales as in England; and by 8 & 9 Vict. c. 11, the manner of assigning sheriffs in Wales is regulated by and assimilated to that of England.

Welsh-speaking inspectors of factories, mines, and quarries are required in Wales Factories and Monmouthsire by s. 118(2) of the Factories and Workshops Act, 1901 (re-enacting s. 23 of the Act of 1891), s. 97 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, and s. 2 (3) of the Quarries Act, 1894.

By the Welsh Church Act, 1914, the Church of England in Wales and Monmouthshire was disestablished and disendowed. The operation of the Act was postponed, but eventually took effect as from 31st March, 1920. See WELSH CHURCH.