Everett Farmer facts for kids

Everett Farmer (born in 1902 in Shelburne, Nova Scotia – died on December 11, 14, or 15, 1937, in Shelburne) was a person from Nova Scotia. His case is notable because he was the last individual in the province to face the most serious legal consequence by the state.

Early Life and Legal Process

Everett Farmer was born in 1902 in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. In 1937, he was involved in a serious incident that led to a legal trial.

Because Mr. Farmer could not pay for a lawyer, and Nova Scotia did not have a system to provide free legal help at that time, a lawyer named Vincent Pottier was chosen to represent him without charge. This was important to ensure he had legal support during his trial.

The trial started on September 28, 1937. Justice William F. Carroll was the judge overseeing the case. After the trial, a group of citizens called a jury discussed the evidence. They decided that Mr. Farmer was responsible for the incident.

In December of that same year, Mr. Farmer faced the most serious legal consequence at the Shelburne County Courthouse, which was the same place where his trial had taken place.

Historical Significance

The case of Everett Farmer has been studied by historians and writers. George Elliott Clarke, a well-known Canadian writer, has suggested that the fairness of the trial, conviction, and final outcome might have been affected. He points out that Mr. Farmer could not afford a lawyer and that he was Black. This raises questions about how race and access to legal help might have played a role in the legal process during that time.

In 2005, Everett Farmer's story inspired a play called The Days of Evan. This play was written by Louise Delisle and helped to bring attention to his case and the historical questions it raises.