Overview

Building Justice draws on the inspiring life of former Canadian Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci to offer insight into the meaning of engaged citizenship through law. Ignoring early advice that he had the wrong kind of name to go to law school, Frank Iacobucci, the son of Italian immigrants, made a name for himself as an outstanding Canadian jurist. Serving as justice of the Supreme Court of Canada from 1991 to 2004, Iacobucci was also professor and dean of law at the University of Toronto and deputy minister of justice for Canada. In Building Justice, Shauna Van Praagh 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: from his childhood in Vancouver, his practice as a young lawyer, his time at the University of Toronto and with the Federal Department of Justice, his work as a judge at the highest level of court, and his significant engagement with Canada's ongoing response to the legacy of residential schools. Building Justice is a beautifully written biography in which the stories of one jurist serve to explore and illustrate engaged citizenship through law.

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9781487566289

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Reviews

A beautifully written book explaining how Frank Iacobucci's vision and humanity merged seamlessly with his brilliance to make him one of Canada's best judges. - Rosalie Silberman Abella, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and Samuel and Judith Pisar Visiting Professor of Law, Harvard Law School Frank Iacobucci has been an inspirational teacher, public servant, scholar, mediator, and jurist. Shauna Van Praagh brings together the melody of his life's work in this fine book. - Bob Rae, Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations Frank Iacobucci is a remarkable Canadian and his life story is an inspiration. He has done so much good in his lifetime in multiple important roles and done it with such generosity and kindness to everyone he has encountered along the way. This is a life in the law at its very best now captured for the ages. - J. Robert S. Prichard, President Emeritus, University of Toronto Frank Iacobucci's life is inspiring and Shauna Van Praagh has helped us see why. To me, he is reconciliation in action. As you read, I hope you feel the hope I have for our country, embodied in both Professor Iacobucci's life and the lessons Professor Van Praagh draws from it. - John Borrows, Professor of Law and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law, University of Victoria Law School From his early beginnings as the son of Italian immigrants in Vancouver, to his service on the Federal and Supreme Courts, to his pivotal role in the Meech Lake Accord and his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Frank Iacobucci has been - and continues to be - a major and influential figure. Building Justice is a lively and inspiring account of his life, his accomplishments, and his legacy. - Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia Serial public servant, scholar, mentor, judge, and family man. The story of Frank Iacobucci is moving and inspiring, filled with vitality and wit. Shauna Van Praagh writes with style and blazing creativity. We learn about the protagonist, of course, but much else as well: how law can help you figure out how to live; the role of narrative in life and law; and how to address some of the biggest issues in Canadian society. Justice Iacobucci may be right that there is nothing magical about courts but there is in this extraordinary book. - Stephen J. Toope, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge Shauna Van Praagh has given us a masterful, non-standard biography which allows us to see the multiple aspects of Frank Iacobucci's talents and skills while still showing us the profound humanity of the person and the very important web of relationships that are as constitutive in his life as they are illustrative. Building Justice is a wonderful read that evokes laughter and empathy while showing the richness of Frank's life and contribution. - The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada This is a remarkable story about an amazing Canadian and best of all, it's told in an accessible and engaging style, and with deep intelligence. A book worthy of its subject, a vivid portrait of Frank Iacobucci and his unique contributions to the country. - Sean Fine, Justice Writer, The Globe and Mail Through an innovative braiding of interviews, stories, scholarly analysis, poetry, myths, and metaphors, Shauna Van Praagh presents a compelling account of one of Canada's most distinguished and accomplished jurists and in so doing reveals the multiple ways in which it is possible (although sometimes difficult) to practice law in the public interest. - Richard Devlin, Professor of Law, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University

A beautifully written book explaining how Frank Iacobucci's vision and humanity merged seamlessly with his brilliance to make him one of Canada's best judges. - Rosalie Silberman Abella, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and Samuel and Judith Pisar Visiting Professor of Law, Harvard Law School Frank Iacobucci has been an inspirational teacher, public servant, scholar, mediator, and jurist. Shauna Van Praagh brings together the melody of his life's work in this fine book. - Bob Rae, Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations Frank Iacobucci is a remarkable Canadian and his life story is an inspiration. He has done so much good in his lifetime in multiple important roles and done it with such generosity and kindness to everyone he has encountered along the way. This is a life in the law at its very best now captured for the ages. - J. Robert S. Prichard, President Emeritus, University of Toronto Frank Iacobucci's life is inspiring and Shauna Van Praagh has helped us see why. To me, he is reconciliation in action. As you read, I hope you feel the hope I have for our country, embodied in both Professor Iacobucci's life and the lessons Professor Van Praagh draws from it. - John Borrows, Professor of Law and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law, University of Victoria Law School From his early beginnings as the son of Italian immigrants in Vancouver, to his service on the Federal and Supreme Courts, to his pivotal role in the Meech Lake Accord and his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Frank Iacobucci has been - and continues to be - a major and influential figure. Building Justice is a lively and inspiring account of his life, his accomplishments, and his legacy. - Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia Serial public servant, scholar, mentor, judge, and family man. The story of Frank Iacobucci is moving and inspiring, filled with vitality and wit. Shauna Van Praagh writes with style and blazing creativity. We learn about the protagonist, of course, but much else as well: how law can help you figure out how to live; the role of narrative in life and law; and how to address some of the biggest issues in Canadian society. Justice Iacobucci may be right that there is nothing magical about courts but there is in this extraordinary book. - Stephen J. Toope, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge Shauna Van Praagh has given us a masterful, non-standard biography which allows us to see the multiple aspects of Frank Iacobucci's talents and skills while still showing us the profound humanity of the person and the very important web of relationships that are as constitutive in his life as they are illustrative. Building Justice is a wonderful read that evokes laughter and empathy while showing the richness of Frank's life and contribution. - The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada This is a remarkable story about an amazing Canadian and best of all, it's told in an accessible and engaging style, and with deep intelligence. A book worthy of its subject, a vivid portrait of Frank Iacobucci and his unique contributions to the country. - Sean Fine, Justice Writer, The Globe and Mail Through an innovative braiding of interviews, stories, scholarly analysis, poetry, myths, and metaphors, Shauna Van Praagh presents a compelling account of one of Canada's most distinguished and accomplished jurists and in so doing reveals the multiple ways in which it is possible (although sometimes difficult) to practice law in the public interest. - Richard Devlin, Professor of Law, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University

Author Information

Shauna Van Praagh is a professor of law at McGill University where she has served as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in Law. She is an active member of several transdisciplinary research teams and centres at McGill and Université de Montréal and has taught as a visitor at Hebrew University and the University of Barcelona. She is a past recipient of McGill’s John W. Durnford Prize for Teaching Excellence and has served as President of the Canadian Association of Law Teachers.

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