Patrick Kerwin
Patrick Kerwin, PC (October 25, 1889 – February 2, 1963)[1] was the tenth Chief Justice of Canada.
The Honourable Mr. Justice Patrick Kerwin | |
|---|---|
| 10th Chief Justice of Canada | |
| In office July 1, 1954 – February 2, 1963 | |
| Nominated by | Louis St. Laurent |
| Preceded by | Thibaudeau Rinfret |
| Succeeded by | Robert Taschereau |
| Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada | |
| In office July 20, 1935 – July 1, 1954 | |
| Nominated by | Richard Bedford Bennett |
| Preceded by | Robert Smith/Frank Joseph Hughes |
| Succeeded by | Douglas Abbott |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 25, 1889 Sarnia, Ontario |
| Died | February 2, 1963 (aged 73) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | Sarnia Collegiate Institute, Osgoode Hall Law School |
Life and career
Patrick Grandcourt Kerwin was born in Sarnia, Ontario to Patrick Kerwin and Ellen Gavin.[1] Kerwin attended Osgoode Hall Law School in 1908. He articled in Sarnia with R. V. Le Sueur. In 1911 Kerwin moved to Guelph, where he practiced law for over 21 years with Guthrie and Guthrie, later changed to Guthrie and Kerwin.[2] During that time, he served as solicitor for the city of Guelph and Wellington County, as well as Crown prosecutor. In 1932 he was appointed to the High Court of Ontario.
Supreme Court of Canada
On July 20, 1935, Kerwin was appointed a puisne justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. In 1954, after 19 years on the court, Kerwin was appointed as Chief Justice, replacing the retired Thibaudeau Rinfret.[3] Kerwin was considered an able judge and administrator.[3] There was a minor controversy over him being Catholic, as Rinfret was also Catholic.[3] Kerwin was deemed to be in poor health when appointed and there were rumours he would retire during his tenure but served 9 years.[3] Five different associate judges were appointed to the court during those years, an unusually high number.[3]
Kerwin died on February 2, 1963, at the age of 73.[1]
References
- Canada, Supreme Court of; Canada, Public Works and Government Services (2000-11-01). The Supreme Court of Canada and its Justices 1875-2000: La Cour suprême du Canada et ses juges 1875-2000 (in French). Dundurn. ISBN 9781770700956.
- McKenna, Stephen G. (2018). Grace and Wisdom: Patrick G. Kerwin, Chief Justice of Canada. Ottawa: Petra Books. ISBN 978-1-927032-68-8.
- McCormick, Peter (2000-01-01). Supreme at Last: The Evolution of the Supreme Court of Canada. James Lorimer & Company. ISBN 9781550286922.
