A Passion for Justice: How 'Vinegar Jim' McRuer Became Canada's Greatest Law Reformer - Softcover

Boyer, J. Patrick

9780978160005: A Passion for Justice: How 'Vinegar Jim' McRuer Became Canada's Greatest Law Reformer

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0978160002 ISBN 13: 9780978160005

Publisher: Blue Butterfly, 2008

This richly detailed biography illustrates how a determined Canadian seeking justice created an enduring legacy. Through vigorous battles, Jim McRuer’s passion for justice was translated into laws that daily touch and protect the lives of millions today.

James Chalmers McRuer was not easy to get along with or even much liked by many lawyers who dubbed him ’Vinegar Jim.’ Yet countless others saw him as heroic, inspirational, a man above and apart from his times.

His resolute focus on justice changed the lives of married women with no property rights, children without legal protection, aboriginals caught in the whipsaw of traditional hunting practices and imposed game laws, and prisoners locked away and forgotten. Environmental degradation and those causing it, murderers, stock fraud artists and Cold War spies all came within the ambit of J. C. McRuer’s sharp legal mind and passion for justice. Upon turning 75, McRuer embarked on his most important work of all, becoming Canada’s greatest law reformer and remaining active into his 90s.

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From the Inside Flap:

'His was the life of an idealistic realist - dedicated to fighting injustice, to protecting individual rights and to defending the best of our political and legal traditions, while still welcoming reform.'

'A fascinating account of one of the greatest and oddest judges in Canadian legal history. Patrick Boyer's vast research has resulted in an important book.'

'Boyer vividly presents, in a highly readable fashion, a fascinating record of an extremely complex Canadian personality. Chief Justice McRuer, whose legal career covered almost eight decades of this century, was at the same time, a leading prison reformer, a heavy sentencer and affectionately known as "Hanging Jim." He had a great sense of fair play and yet was known as mean son-of-a-bitch. He was stern and unforgiving, referred to as "The last Great Puritan," yet is regarded as "the greatest law reformer ever in Canada." Thanks to Patrick Boyer, we can all appreciate and understand the human dimension, the flaws of character and greatness of a very important, common sense jurist. I recommend this book to everyone interested in Canadian history, law or letters.'

'A major and highly readable contribution to Canadian legal history.'

About the Author:

J. Patrick Boyer studied law at the International Court of Justice in The Netherlands, served as Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary for External Affairs, and works for democratic development overseas. The author of twenty-three books on Canadian history, law, politics, and governance, Patrick lives with wife, Elise, in Muskoka and Toronto.

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