The 1905–1906 Supplementary Agreement created the
British Residential system, while the 1908 Enactment, which reorganised the nation's legal system, amended it subsequently. The Court of the Resident, Magistrates of the First and Second Class, Native Magistrates, and tribunals of Kathis were the five categories of tribunals described in this second statute. With the exception of instances involving marriages consummated in accordance with
British law, the Court of the Resident served as the principal court for civil and criminal proceedings, having both original and appellate jurisdiction. First Class Magistrates handled more serious crimes and civil disputes up to a specific value, whereas Second Class Magistrates had more restricted jurisdiction.
Magistrates' courts were divided into classes.
Islamic law matters and
Malays were heard by the Native Magistrates and
Kathis Courts. Prior to 1959, the Attorney General of Sarawak handled the role of Legal Adviser for the Bruneian Government, with assistance from a Deputy Legal Adviser based in Brunei. The Attorney General of Brunei was appointed on 29 September 1959, the day the
Constitution of Brunei was declared, and as of that date, the Attorney General of Sarawak was no longer the government's legal adviser. In August 2008, the position of Attorney General was promoted to ministerial rank. == Functions ==