THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA

On Canada Day this year, we spent it in Ottawa. Our party noticed a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada, and were game to spend the time. It was the first time I had noticed the building, set back impressively from Wellington street, and visible from the riverview in a less obvious view.

The entire building is symetrical, symbolizing the balance of justice. Outside were two statues: IVSTITIA and VERITAS. The hooded foreboding man above IVSTITIA puzzled me, as I struggled to remember there is no J in Greek, or V for that matter.

It was was right up my alley of favourite architecture and symbolism, with its Château Style roof and Art Deco interior. The first stone was laid by Queen Elisabeth I in 1939, but was not used as a court until 1946, having been delayed in construction by the war.

The SCC was designed by Montreal architect Ernest Cormier. He is known for designing the art deco U of M main building with tower that stands out against Mont Royal from the North, and lived in the house he designed for himself (Ernest-Cormier house) on Pine Avenue, previously owned by Pierre Elliot Trudeau, and now apparently owned by Sacha Trudeau. He also designed the second Quebec Court of Appeals in the Old Port of Montreal, across from the Palais de Justice (Montreal Courthouse).

The first Saskatchewan judge was a lawyer named Cathcart in 1912.

The first female supreme court justice was Bertha Wilson in 1982.

Initially there were 4 judges, but a tie could never be settled, so an odd number was chosen from then on. 3 out of 9 judges must be from Quebec. Usually 3 others are from Ontario, 2 from out West and 1 from the Atlantic provinces.

Deliberations happen around a round table.

Each chamber of appeal and lower court are judged by 3 judges.

In Canada, under common law, there are three levels of court in each province and territory: lower, superior, and appeals.  In Quebec, given a different type of law (civil), the highest court is La cour supériere du Québec.