Welcome to the Exhibit
The year 2025 marks a special milestone for the Supreme Court of Canada as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. Over the years, its chambers have been the setting for landmark cases that have shaped the foundation of this country. Some decisions have reinforced fundamental principles of justice, while others serve as reminders of how far we’ve come. These cases provide an opportunity to reflect on our history and appreciate its ongoing evolution.
At the heart of these rulings are the justices, many of whom once walked the same corridors as today’s law students at McGill University. Their decisions on equality, religious accommodation, Indigenous rights, gender and sexuality rights, and property rights have played a great role in shaping Canadian society.
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To commemorate this legacy, the Nahum Gelber Law Library is hosting an exhibition in February 2025. This display pays tribute to justices and Chief justices who have shaped the Court’s history, while also showcasing pivotal cases that illustrate its influence on Canadian law. Selected books and photographs showcase the evolution of the Supreme Court, from the foundation of its building in 1939 to today’s justices continuing their mission side by side.
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We invite you to explore this curated exhibition on the first floor of the Nahum Gelber Law Library. Take this opportunity to reflect on the path of justice and the Court’s lasting impact. For those interested in further engaging with its history, additional resources are available on the exhibition website. Join us in celebrating 150 years of the Supreme Court of Canada!
Exhibit Resources
This book delves into the professional career of Nicholas Kasirer, former Dean of McGill University’s Faculty of Law and current Supreme Court Justice. It highlights his influential partnerships and contributions during his time at McGill University.
An insightful look into the personal journeys and professional achievements of Canada’s Supreme Court justices and what led them to their groundbreaking careers.
An exploration of Beverley McLachlin’s impactful career, highlighting her contributions to Canadian law and her leadership as the first female Chief Justice of Canada’s Supreme Court.
“Tracings of Gerald Le Dain’s Life in the Law” by G. Blaine Baker and Richard Janda (2019)
This book traces Justice Gerald Le Dain’s career, highlighting his contributions to academia, the Federal Court, and Canadian law.
“Justice Bertha Wilson: One Woman’s Difference” by Kim Brooks (2009)
A reflection on Justice Bertha Wilson’s career as Canada’s first female Supreme Court justice, emphasizing her lasting influence on Canadian law.
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This book features a collection of essays examining the Supreme Court of Canada’s role in social justice, focusing on key issues such as equality, poverty, Indigenous rights, and environmental justice.
This bilingual collection of essays reflects the legacy of former Justice Clément Gascon, focusing on his contributions, particularly in the areas of federation and administrative law.
This book offers a collection of essays examining key principles of law in Canadian society, reflecting on Justice Louis LeBel’s contributions alongside broader legal themes of justice and fairness.
“Statuses of Canada: 38th Victoria,” Volume 1 by Government of Canada (1875)
This volume covers Chapter 11 of the Statutes of Canada from 1875, during the reign of Queen Victoria. It provides insight into the legal framework and decisions of that era.
“Appellant’s Factum: L’Alliance des Professeurs Catholiques de Montréal, The Labour Relations Board of the Province of Quebec, and The Montreal Catholic School Commission” by The Supreme Court of Canada (1951)
This factum challenges a labour ruling at the Supreme Court of Canada, diving into the kind of analysis you’re, as law students, are learning to master when writing factums.
Ce livre raconte la vie de deux femmes juges ayant marquées la Cour Suprême du Canada par leurs engagements et determinations pour la justice du Canada.
This book explores the lives of two female judges who left a lasting impact on the Supreme Court of Canada through their commitment and determination to justice.
“Made in Court: Supreme Court Decisions That Shaped Canada” by Richard W. Pound (2014)
This book presents over 50 landmark cases from the Supreme Court of Canada, highlighting groundbreaking decisions and illustrating how they have shaped Canadian values and reflected the country’s evolution.
Additional Resources
Multimedia and Learning Tools
​“Supreme Court of Canada Activity Book” (2024): Activity Book
“Without Precedent: The Supreme Life of Rosalie Abella” (2023): Documentary Movie
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“Building Justice: Frank Iacobucci and the Life Cycles of Law” (2022) by Shauna Van Praagh
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“Design intentions: the Supreme Court Building, Ottawa” (1982) by David Scarlett ( David R.)
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“From Wardship to Rights: The Guerin Case and Aboriginal Law” (2020) by James Reynolds
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“Law, Politics and the Judicial Process in Canada” (2018) by Frederick Lee and Dave Snow
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“Responsibility, Fraternity and Sustainability in Law: In Memory of the Honourable Charles Doherty Gonthier” (2012) by Michel Morin, Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Fabien Gélinas, Markus W. Gehring
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“The Court and the Charter: Leading Cases” (2017) by Thomas Michael Joseph Bateman, Janet Hiebert, Rainer Knopff, Peter H Russell
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“The Supreme Court of Canada Decision on Abortion” (1988) by Shelagh Day, Stan Persky
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“Truth Be Told: My Journey Through Life and the Law” (2019) by Beverly McLachlin
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