The Hon. J. Robson

This oral history interview with Justice James Robson provides a comprehensive account of his journey from a bilingual childhood in rural Quebec to a distinguished judicial career. Born in Quebec City in 1929 to a banker father and French-Canadian mother, Robson grew up speaking French as his first language in small Quebec villages before pursuing science at Bishop’s University and eventually law at Osgoode Hall. His unique bilingual background would later prove crucial to his judicial appointment.

Robson practiced as a sole practitioner in Toronto from 1960 to 1976, developing expertise in wills and estates while maintaining a general practice that included French-speaking clients referred by the French Consulate. His ability to work in French led to his judicial appointment by Attorney General Roy McMurtry in 1976 to the Provincial Family Court in Sudbury, where he served until 1985 before transferring to Kitchener until 1994. He then continued as a per diem judge, finding this arrangement offered greater flexibility than supernumerary status.

The interview reveals Robson’s practical approach to law and judicial administration, his commitment to family life, and his observations on the evolution of legal practice and the courts. His bilingual capabilities enabled him to serve Northern Ontario’s francophone communities effectively, and he notes the importance of ensuring French-language court services were readily available rather than treated as an inconvenience.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.