ABOUT
About This Book
My grandfather died at the age of 73, when I was only eight years old, but my memories, affection and interest in him continue.
This is his story.
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
is as true today as it ever was.
Chief Justice Patrick Kerwin speaking at the opening of the Superior Court of Québec Montreal, Québec, 1957.
Canada Today Has a Legal System
in which its people could take great satisfaction. Law is not an exact science, but no stone would be left unturned that could possibly interfere with the best possible determination of the rights of man.
Chief Justice Patrick Kerwin as quoted by the Sarnia Daily Observer, October 25, 1957
Courts are Established to Settle Disputes.
Justice Patrick Kerwin in an address to graduating students, Osgoode Hall, Toronto, 1950.
Students of Law Must be Taught
not merely what the professor knows, but they must be trained to think for themselves.
UPDATES
INTERVIEWS/ARTICLES
EVENTS
REVIEWS/RADIO
LINKS TO ARTICLES
AUTHOR
Stephen G. McKenna
The author of this biography undertook the task ensuring his grandfather’s story was captured for posterity.
Having contributed articles to the media about his grandfather, Stephen continues to tell the story of a great Canadian in this book: Chief Justice Patrick Kerwin, a person who dedicated much of his life to the service of all Canadians.
The tale is told about his maternal grandfather’s career and the life he lived with his family as he climbed to the pinnacle of his profession. Stephen has also brought the personal side of his storied life by including family anecdotes and pictures never before seen in public.
As an author, musician and producer living in Ottawa, Ontario, Stephen will be publishing a collection of short stories and other works in the near future.
MEDIA
Grace & Wisdom in the media
The story of a man of humble beginnings who in his early family days played piano (secretly) at 'silent movie' shows in order to make ends meet.
Deals with the essential creation of Canada’s legal system and the large role Patrick Kerwin played in it. At just 23 he was a full-named Partner and at 55 Chief Justice of Canada.
"...it must be remembered that the law is a jealous mistress and demands of you, and all her devotees, an assiduous devotion to her cause. The common law is not static but develops from era to era...but that changing circumstances require you to seek to apply those principals to altered conditions...." Address to Students, Osgood Hall, Toronto, June 29, 1950.
