Matthew Baillie Begbie — The Hanging Judge

About this episode

This episode explores the life and controversial legacy of Matthew Baillie Begbie, the first judge of mainland British Columbia during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush.

Episode 416: Matthew Baillie Begbie (1819–1894) served as the first judge of mainland British Columbia during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, arriving in 1858 as the colony struggled to impose order across a fast-growing and often violent region. Known to many as the “Hanging Judge,” Begbie presided over cases from Yale to Barkerville, travelling long distances to hold court in mining towns and settlements. His legacy remains contested: some describe him as a firm and capable judge working within the limits of colonial law, while others point to cases like the 1864 trials and executions of six Tsilhqot’in men following the Chilcotin War as evidence of a system that failed Indigenous people. Here, we examine Begbie’s life, his rulings, and the lasting impact of his role in shaping justice in British Columbia. Sources: Heritage - Tŝilhqot’in National GovernmentPrime Minister delivers a statement of exoneration for six Tsilhqot’in ChiefsChilcotin Hangings of 1864: Canada’s Colonial InjusticeB.C. redresses wrongful hangings of Tsilhqot'in war chiefsEssays in the History of Canadian Law, Volume VI: British Columbia and the Yukon - Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal HistoryBEGBIE, Sir…

People in this episode

Host: Dark Poutine

Topics covered

• judicial history
• colonial law
• Indigenous justice
• Fraser Canyon Gold Rush
• Matthew Baillie Begbie
• Tsilhqot’in trials

Keywords

• Matthew Baillie Begbie
• Hanging Judge
• British Columbia
• Fraser Canyon Gold Rush
• Tsilhqot’in
• colonial law
• judicial history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tŝilhqot’in National Government, Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History

Books & works: Essays in the History of Canadian Law, Volume VI: British Columbia and the Yukon, Judge Begbie Hangs Chiefs - British Columbia - An Untold History, Memoirs and Documents Relating to Judge Begbie

Places: British Columbia, Yale, Barkerville

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