Lance Finch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lance Finch
QC OBC
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| Chief Justice of British Columbia Court of Appeal | |
| In office June 6, 2001 – June 16, 2013 |
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| Nominated by | Jean Chrétien |
| Preceded by | Allan McEachern |
| Succeeded by | Robert J. Bauman |
| Puisne Justice of the British Columbia Court of Appeal | |
| In office May 28, 1993 – June 6, 2001 |
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| Nominated by | Brian Mulroney |
| Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia | |
| In office May 5, 1983 – May 28, 1993 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | June 16, 1938 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Died | August 30, 2020 (aged 82) North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Alma mater | University of British Columbia |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Lance Sydney George Finch (June 16, 1938 – August 30, 2020) was an important Canadian lawyer and judge. He held high positions in the legal community. He was the President of the Vancouver Bar Association. He also served as a bencher for the Law Society of British Columbia.
Lance Finch became a judge in 1983. He later became the Chief Justice of the British Columbia Court of Appeal. This is the highest judge in that court. He held this role from 2001 until he retired in 2013.
Early Life and Education
Lance Finch was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1938. His family moved to Victoria, British Columbia, in 1951. There, he attended high school. He started college in 1955 at Victoria College.
He then went to the University of British Columbia. He earned both his first degree and his law degree there. In 1963, he officially became a lawyer. While at university, he was part of the rowing team.
After law school, he worked at a law firm in Vancouver. He became a partner in the firm in 1968. He was also the president of the Vancouver Bar Association in 1976. From 1981 to 1983, he served as a bencher for the Law Society of British Columbia. He also taught law at the University of British Columbia.
Career as a Judge
Lance Finch worked as a private lawyer from 1963 to 1983. On May 5, 1983, he was appointed as a judge. He joined the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Ten years later, on May 28, 1993, he moved to the British Columbia Court of Appeal. This is a higher court.
On June 6, 2001, he became the Chief Justice of that court. This meant he was the head judge. He often spoke about important issues in the legal system. He was concerned that some people could not afford a lawyer. He wanted to make sure everyone had fair access to justice.
He also believed the legal system should understand Indigenous Canadian laws. He felt it was important to listen to their stories and traditions. He retired from his role as Chief Justice on June 16, 2013. After retiring, he returned to private law practice.
Awards and Recognition
Lance Finch received special honors for his work. The University of British Columbia gave him an Honorary Law Degree (LLD). This is a special degree given to people who have achieved great things.
On November 30, 2017, he was appointed to the Order of British Columbia. This is the highest honor given by the province of British Columbia. It recognizes people who have made outstanding contributions.
Personal Life
Lance Finch was married to Judy. They had three children together. He passed away on August 30, 2020. He was 82 years old. He had been battling cancer for several years before his death. He was surrounded by his family when he died.
