Nominated by Louis St. Laurent Name Patrick Kerwin Succeeded by Douglas Abbott | Succeeded by Robert Taschereau Preceded by Thibaudeau Rinfret | |
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Nominated by Richard Bedford Bennett Preceded by Robert Smith/Frank Joseph Hughes | ||
Patrick Kerwin, PC (October 25, 1889 – February 2, 1963), was the tenth Chief Justice of Canada.
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Life and career
Kerwin was born in Sarnia, Ontario to Patrick Kerwin and Ellen Gavin. Kerwin attended Osgoode Hall Law School in 1906. He articled in Sarnia with R. V. Le Sueur. In 1911 Kerwin moved to Guelph, where he practised law for over 21 years. During that time, he served as solicitor for the city of Guelph and Wellington County, as well as Crown prosecutor. In 1932 he was appointed to the High Court of Ontario.
Supreme Court of Canada
On July 20, 1935, Kerwin was appointed a puisne justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. In 1954, after 19 years on the court, Kerwin was appointed as Chief Justice, replacing the retired Thibaudeau Rinfret. Kerwin was considered an able judge and administrator. There was a minor controversy over him being Catholic, as Rinfret was also Catholic. Kerwin was in poor health when appointed, and though he served 9 years, there were rumours he would retire during his tenure. Five different associate judges were appointed to the court during those years, an unusually high number.
Kerwin died on February 2, 1963, at the age of 73.