Edward Greenspan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edward Greenspan
Greenspan in 2014
Born	Edward Leonard Greenspan (1944-02-28)February 28, 1944 Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Died	December 24, 2014(2014-12-24) (aged 70) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Alma mater	University College, Toronto Osgoode Hall Law School
Occupation	Lawyer, legal author

Edward Leonard Greenspan (February 28, 1944 – December 24, 2014) was one of Canada's most famous defence lawyers. He was also a well-known author of many legal books. People knew him because he worked with many high-profile clients. He also became famous through his radio and TV shows called The Scales of Justice.

Life as a Lawyer

Edward Greenspan studied at University College, Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School. He became a lawyer in Ontario in 1970. He was the main partner at his law firm, Greenspan Partners LLP. He also served as a vice president for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. This group works to protect people's rights.

Awards and Recognition

Greenspan's work as a criminal defence lawyer was highly respected. He received many awards and honorary degrees. In 1982, he became a Queen's Counsel, which is a special title for experienced lawyers. He was also inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1991. The Law Society of Upper Canada gave him an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 1999. He received other important medals and doctorates for his legal work.

Fighting the Death Penalty

Edward Greenspan was strongly against the death penalty. This is when a government executes someone as punishment. In 1986, the Canadian government was thinking about bringing back capital punishment. Greenspan stopped his law practice for three months to travel across Canada. He debated the issue everywhere he could. His efforts helped lead to the proposal being defeated.

In 2001, he won an important case at the Supreme Court of Canada. This ruling stopped Canada from sending people to other countries where they might face the death penalty.

Working with Other Lawyers

Greenspan worked with many talented lawyers in Canada. Some of his former partners became judges, like Michael Moldaver and Marc Rosenberg. He was also known for speaking out against certain justice laws. He shared his opinions in magazines and newspapers.

A documentary film called A Criminal Mind was made about his life.

His Passing

Edward Greenspan passed away from heart failure in December 2014. He was 70 years old and was vacationing in Phoenix, Arizona. His funeral was held in Toronto, and he was buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Many people shared their thoughts about him. Toronto Mayor John Tory said Greenspan was a "brilliant lawyer" and a "tireless champion for human rights." He added that Greenspan was a "wonderful human being." The Ontario politician Jagmeet Singh said Greenspan's work fighting for "society's marginalized" was inspiring.

Family Life

Edward Greenspan came from a family of lawyers. His brother, Brian Greenspan, is also a well-known Canadian lawyer. His sister, Rosann Greenspan, works in law studies at the University of California at Berkeley.

His daughter, Julianna A. Greenspan, followed in his footsteps. She is now a partner at Greenspan Partners LLP, her father's old law firm. She also studied law and worked as a lawyer in Chicago before returning to Canada.

Notable Cases

Edward Greenspan represented many different people during his career. His job was to make sure everyone received a fair trial. Some of his well-known clients included:

• Justice Leonard Pace
• Roland J. Thornhill, a former deputy premier of Nova Scotia
• Daniel Bailey, a soccer player
• Conrad Black
• Helmuth Buxbaum
• Peter Demeter
• Garth Drabinsky, a Toronto impresario
• Marc Stuart Dreier, a New York lawyer
• Gerard Filion, a past editor and chairman
• Robert Latimer, a Saskatchewan farmer
• Gary Payton and Sam Cassell, basketball players
• P. Reign, a rapper
• Wolodumir "Walter" Stadnick, president of Hells Angels Canada
• Karlheinz Schreiber, a German financier
• Stephen Williams, an author

See also

In Spanish: Edward Greenspan para niños