Welsh Courts Act 1942 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to repeal section seventeen of the statute 27 Hen. 8. c. 26, to remove doubt as to the right of Welsh speaking persons to testify in the Welsh language in courts of justice in Wales, and to enable rules to be made for the administration of oaths and affirmations in that language, and for the provision, employment, and payment, of interpreters in such courts. |
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| Citation | 5 & 6 Geo. 6 c. 40 |
| Territorial extent | Wales and Monmouthshire |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 22 October 1942 |
| Repealed | 21 December 1992 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | Welsh Language Act 1967 Welsh Language Act 1993 |
| Relates to | Laws of Wales Act 1536 |
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Status: Repealed
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The Welsh Courts Act 1942 (Welsh: Deddf Llysoedd Cymreig 1942) was an important law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It allowed people to use the Welsh language in courts in Wales and Monmouthshire. This was allowed if speaking English would put them at a disadvantage.
This Act was a big step. It changed old laws from the time of King Henry VIII. Those old laws had made English the only language allowed in Welsh courts.
Why the Act Was Needed
Many people in Wales wanted the Welsh language to be treated equally. In 1938, a special request was started at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. This is a big festival of Welsh culture. Over 250,000 people signed the request. Most Welsh Members of Parliament (MPs) also supported it.
Voices for Change
Charles Edwards, an MP, spoke about why the new law was needed. He remembered people who only spoke Welsh. If they had to go to court, they were at a big disadvantage. They couldn't explain themselves well in English. He felt the new law was a very fair thing to do.
Viscount Sankey also spoke about the issue. He said that many Welsh people think in Welsh, even if they can speak English. He asked how people would feel if they had to speak in French in court. They might be nervous and not do their best. He understood that Welsh speakers felt the same way in English courts.
What the Act Did
The Welsh Courts Act was passed on 22 October 1942. It officially removed the old rules from King Henry VIII's time. These rules had stopped people from using Welsh in courts.
The Act said that Welsh could be used in any court in Wales. This was for anyone who felt they would be at a disadvantage if they had to speak English.
Rules for Oaths
The Act also allowed new rules to be made. These rules let people say oaths or promises in Welsh in court. An oath said in Welsh would be just as strong as one said in English. This meant interpreters were not always needed for oaths.
The Act's End
Over time, people still wanted more rights for the Welsh language. This led to a report in 1965. This report helped create the Welsh Language Act 1967. This new Act changed parts of the 1942 Act.
Eventually, the entire Welsh Courts Act 1942 was replaced. This happened with the Welsh Language Act 1993. After 1993, the 1942 Act no longer had any effect.
