Julien Chouinard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julien Chouinard
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Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada | |
In office September 24, 1979 – February 6, 1987 |
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Nominated by | Joe Clark |
Preceded by | Yves Pratte |
Succeeded by | Claire L'Heureux-Dubé |
Personal details | |
Born | Quebec City, Quebec, Canada |
February 4, 1929
Died | February 6, 1987 | (aged 58)
Julien Chouinard (February 4, 1929 – February 6, 1987) was a Canadian lawyer and a very important judge. He served as a Puisne Justice (which means a regular judge) on the Supreme Court of Canada. This is the highest court in Canada.
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Who Was Julien Chouinard?
Julien Chouinard was a respected Canadian who dedicated his life to law and public service. He was known for his intelligence and his commitment to justice. His career took him from teaching law to working for the government, and finally to the highest court in the country.
Early Life and Education
Julien Chouinard was born in Quebec City, Quebec, on February 4, 1929. His parents were Joseph Julien Chouinard and Berthe Cloutier. He was a bright student from a young age.
He attended Université Laval, a well-known university in Quebec. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1948. He then continued his studies in law, receiving his Bachelor of Civil Law (LL.L.) degree in 1951.
After his studies in Canada, Julien Chouinard received a special scholarship called a Rhodes Scholarship. This allowed him to study at Oxford University in England. He earned another Bachelor of Arts degree from Oxford in 1953.
A Career in Public Service
In 1953, after finishing his studies, Julien Chouinard became a lawyer in Quebec. He began practicing law and also shared his knowledge by teaching law at Université Laval. He was an auxiliary professor starting in 1959 and later a part-time professor from 1964.
In 1965, he joined the Quebec government. He became the deputy minister of Justice. This is a very important role where he helped lead the legal department of the government. In 1968, he was appointed Secretary General of the Executive Council of Quebec. This meant he was a key helper for the main group that makes decisions for the Quebec government.
Julien Chouinard also tried to enter federal politics. He ran as a candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in the 1968 Canadian federal election. He hoped to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Matane, but he was not elected.
In recognition of his hard work and contributions to public service, he was given a high honour. In 1974, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This award recognizes Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to their country.
Becoming a Supreme Court Justice
In 1974, Julien Chouinard was appointed to the Court of Appeal of Quebec. This is a very important court that reviews decisions made by lower courts. His experience and legal knowledge made him a great choice for this role.
His career reached its peak in 1979. Prime Minister Joe Clark appointed him to the Supreme Court of Canada. This is the highest court in Canada, and only a few judges ever reach this position. He served on the Supreme Court until his passing in 1987. He passed away due to an illness. He is buried in the Cimetière Notre-Dame-de-Belmont.
Julien Chouinard's life showed a strong commitment to the law and to serving the people of Canada.