Building Justice: Frank Iacobucci and the Life Cycles of Law

Building Justice explores the life of former Canadian Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci and his commitment to engaged citizenship through law, drawing on his experiences as a jurist, professor, and dean of law.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Building Justice: A Biography of Frank Iacobucci
Frank Iacobucci, a former Canadian Supreme Court Justice, is the subject of Shauna Van Praagh's book Building Justice. Iacobucci's life and career are explored in the book, which also examines the study and practice of law. The book follows Iacobucci's journey from his childhood in Vancouver to his time as a young lawyer, professor, dean of law, judge, and deputy minister of justice for Canada. It highlights his significant engagement with Canada's ongoing response to the legacy of residential schools.
Iacobucci's journey began with early advice that he had the wrong kind of name to go to law school. Despite this, he pursued his passion for law and became an outstanding Canadian jurist. He served as justice of the Supreme Court of Canada from 1991 to 2004 and was also professor and dean of law at the University of Toronto and deputy minister of justice for Canada.
Building Justice is a beautifully written biography that weaves together the voices of individuals whose paths and projects have intersected with those of Frank Iacobucci. The book provides a compelling consideration of the study and practice of law as it follows the stages of Iacobucci's life and career. It explores the challenges and opportunities that he faced as a lawyer, professor, and judge, and how he used his legal expertise to make a positive impact on society.
One of the key themes of Building Justice is engaged citizenship through law. Iacobucci believed that lawyers had a responsibility to use their legal skills to promote social justice and to work towards a more just and equitable society. He worked tirelessly to promote access to justice for marginalized communities and to address the root causes of social inequality.
Iacobucci's work in residential schools is particularly noteworthy. He was involved in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and played a key role in the development of the TRC's recommendations. He also worked with Indigenous communities to develop land claims and to address the impacts of residential schools on their communities.
Building Justice also highlights the importance of collaboration and teamwork in the legal profession. Iacobucci worked closely with other lawyers, judges, and policymakers to develop innovative solutions to complex legal problems. He was a strong advocate for the rule of law and for the protection of individual rights.
In conclusion, Building Justice is a fascinating and inspiring book that explores the life and career of Frank Iacobucci. It provides a compelling consideration of the study and practice of law and highlights the importance of engaged citizenship through law. Iacobucci's work in residential schools is particularly noteworthy and demonstrates his commitment to social justice and to making a positive impact on society.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 248 x 165 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487566289