The Court of Queen's Bench of Manitoba 1870-1950: A Biographical History
by Dale Brawn, Professor, Department of Law & Justice, Laurentian University.
Published for the Osgoode Society by the University of Toronto Press. 2006
Cost: $44.50
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Description
This study of the Manitoba judiciary is the first complete biographical history of a provincial bench. The relative youth of Manitoba and the small size of its legal profession makes possible an exceptionally detailed investigation of the background of those appointed to the province's highest trial court - the Court of Queen's Bench. This book shows the close connections in the early days between the Ontario bar and the judges of the new province, and highlights the political nature of the judicial appointment process, especially in the period prior to 1950. But it also suggests that in addition to politics and legal ability, many lawyers became judges because they more than others had made themselves known in the communities in which they practised. These biographies of the first thirty-three men appointed to the Court of Queen's Bench highlight the extent to which the members of the legal elite shared remarkably similar views and ways of thinking. The collective biography approach also allows a remarkably intimate look at personalities ranging from prime ministers to senior government officials to members of the practising bar.
His research has been prodigious ... The result is a full and fascinating history .... Through the lives of the judges we realize how early Manitoba was seen as the frontier of opportunity, beckoning young lawyers from the east. The biographies are full and candid. Trevor Anderson, Manitoba Bar Association Newsletter, December 2006
Brawn’s biographical sketches are entertaining as well as offering interesting glimpses into the making of Canadian law and the legal community .... Brawn will introduce you to some good stories [and] open up Canada’s legal past. Professor James Muir, National Post, December 20, 2006
