John Robert Cartwright | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Justice Cartwright, c. 1953 | |
| 12thChief Justice of Canada | |
| In office September 1, 1967 – March 23, 1970 | |
| Nominated by | Lester B. Pearson |
| Appointed by | Roland Michener |
| Preceded by | Robert Taschereau |
| Succeeded by | Gérald Fauteux |
| Puisne Justice of theSupreme Court of Canada | |
| In office December 22, 1949 – September 1, 1967 | |
| Nominated by | Louis St. Laurent |
| Preceded by | None (new position) |
| Succeeded by | Louis-Philippe Pigeon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1895-03-23)March 23, 1895 |
| Died | November 24, 1979(1979-11-24) (aged 84) |
John Robert CartwrightPC CC MC (March 23, 1895 – November 24, 1979) was a Canadian lawyer and judge who served asChief Justice of Canada from 1967 until 1970 and as apuisne justice from 1949 to 1967.
Born inToronto, Cartwright was the son of James Strachan Cartwright and Jane Elizabeth Young. After graduating fromUpper Canada College in 1912, he enrolled atOsgoode Hall Law School and began his articles with Smith, Rae & Greer.[1]
He interrupted his studies in 1914 to serve overseas with the armed forces during theFirst World War. In 1915 he was wounded twice and for the following two years was an aide-de-camp to three successive generals. He was awarded theMilitary Cross in 1917.[1]
Upon his return to Canada, he resumed his study of law. He was called to the bar in 1920, then joined the firm of Smith, Rae & Greer inToronto.[1][2]
In 1947 he was counsel for the Government of Canada in the prosecutions that resulted from the findings of theRoyal Commission on Spying Activities in Canada, which had been chaired by justicesRobert Taschereau andRoy Kellock.[1][3]
He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada on December 22, 1949 and became its chief justice on September 1, 1967. He served on the Supreme Court for 20 years and retired on March 23, 1970. The following year, he accepted a position with the law firmGowling and Henderson as counsel.[citation needed]
