Mr. Justice Mayer Lerner

This 1987 oral history interview with Justice Mayer Lerner chronicles his remarkable journey from reluctant law student to distinguished jurist. Born in London, Ontario in 1906 to Eastern European immigrant parents, Lerner initially resisted entering the legal profession but graduated from Osgoode Hall in 1929. He began his career as Assistant Crown Attorney before establishing a successful criminal law practice, handling notable murder cases including Rex v. Crawford (1939-1940) and the Harry Short case, where his expert use of medical testimony secured acquittals and reduced sentences.

Lerner’s practice evolved from criminal law to civil litigation, and he became involved in legal aid advocacy. Despite his initial reluctance to pursue law, he ultimately found great satisfaction in his career, enjoying even the cases he lost. The interview provides valuable insights into the development of Ontario’s legal system during the mid-20th century, including the role of expert testimony, jury trials, and the evolution of criminal defense practice. His partnership with his brother Sam in Lerner and Lerner became a significant legal practice, and his eventual appointment to the judiciary marked the culmination of a distinguished career spanning several decades.

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