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Who was Canada's first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

Beverley McLachlin. Justice McLachlin became a member of the Supreme Court of Canada in March 1989 (she was previously Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia). She was appointed Chief Justice on January 7, 2000.

There is a mandatory retirement date for Canadian Supreme Court justices.

True. Judges appointed to this court must retire at the age of 75.

From which province has a judge never been elevated to the Supreme Court of Canada?

Newfoundland and Labrador. It will happen sooner or later! Newfoundland is not actually alone, though, as no judge from a territory has sat at the Supreme Court Level either.

The very first panel of the Supreme Court of Canada consisted of how many judges?

5. Two from Ontario, two from Quebec and one from New Brunswick were appointed on September 30, 1875.

Legislatures/Parliament seek advice from the Supreme Court of Canada when drafting legislation.

False. As an impartial body, the Supreme Court of Canada has no input or involvement in the development of legislation. Its sole role in this regard is to consider arguments and render decisions in response to any challenges to a legislative provision's validity or appropriateness when an appeal is brought.

The decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada are _________________ .

widely available through a number of sources. Like so many other things, it is now relatively easy to find a copy of Supreme Court decisions on the internet. Given the importance and often far-reaching effects of a Supreme Court decision, public availability is of paramount importance.

The Supreme Court of Canada building is located in ______________ .

Ottawa. The Supreme Court building is located very close to the Parliament Buildings and was constructed in 1939.

The Supreme Court is the same as the Federal Court.

False. The Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal of Canada deal with various sorts of issues specific to federal law such as tax and immigration. If a decision of the Federal Court of Appeal is to be further appealed, it is heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.

After submissions are made before the panel, how long does it generally take to receive a decision?

5 to 6 months. The average length of time between argument and decision is 5 to 6 months. This isn't always the case, though, as one case involving the Ontario government and the Criminal Lawyers' Association was argued in 2008 but the decision wasn't received until June 17, 2010! (Attorney General of Ontario v Criminal Lawyers' Association Association, 2010 SCC 23).

Who designed the Supreme Court of Canada building?

Ernest Cormier. Mr. Cormier also designed the University of Montreal. He designed his own home in Montreal which was later purchased by a former Prime Minister [Pierre Trudeau] who lived in it until his death. And there really was an architect named Percy Nobbs!