Robert Bernard (advocate-general) explained

Robert Bernard (c. 1808 – 23 October 1840) was an appointed member of the first Legislative Council of South Australia, serving from 18 July 1838 to 27 March 1840.

History

Bernard was educated at Trinity College, Dublin^[1] and became a barrister at law and Law and Member of the Queen's Inns, Dublin.

He was practising law in Tasmania before arriving in South Australia and applying to be admitted to the Supreme Court as Barrister, Attorney, Solicitor, and Proctor of South Australia.He was appointed on 16 July 1838 by the acting Governor George Milner Stephen, as his successor to the position of advocate-general and crown solicitor for South Australia,^{[2] [3]} without having practised in the Province.

He was appointed Registrar General and acting Judge in March 1840, William Smillie succeeding him as advocate-general and crown solicitor.^[4] He thereupon lost his seat on the Legislative Council, which was attached to the position of advocate-general.He died six months later after a prolonged illness.^[5]

Notes and References

1. "Alumni Dublinenses: a register of the students, graduates, professors and provosts of Trinity College in the University of Dublin (1593–1860)" George Dames Burtchaell/Thomas Ulick Sadleir p63: Dublin, Alex Thom and Co, 1935
2. News: Advertising . . I . 26 . South Australia . 21 July 1838 . 12 November 2016 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
3. 4064. Robert Bernard. yes. 10 November 2022.
4. News: Official Changes and Appointments . . I . XVII . South Australia . 31 March 1840 . 13 November 2016 . 2 . National Library of Australia.
5. News: Family Notices . . III . 150 . South Australia . 27 October 1840 . 13 November 2016 . 3 . National Library of Australia.