William Buell Richards, Canadian lawyer and judge, 1st Chief Justice of Canada (d. 1889)

Sir William Buell Richards (May 2, 1815 – January 26, 1889) holds a distinguished place in Canadian legal history as the very first Chief Justice of Canada. His life and career spanned a significant period of nation-building, from the colonial era of Upper Canada to the establishment of the Supreme Court of Canada, a cornerstone institution of the nascent Dominion.

Early Life, Education, and Legal Beginnings

Born into a prominent family in Brockville, Upper Canada, on May 2, 1815, William Buell Richards was the son of Stephen Richards and Phoebe Buell. His upbringing in this burgeoning community of what would later become Ontario provided him with a foundational understanding of the challenges and opportunities in colonial Canada. For his legal education, Richards ventured south of the border, earning his law degree from the St. Lawrence Academy in Potsdam, New York. This international exposure was not uncommon for aspiring professionals in the region at the time. Upon his return, he began his legal apprenticeship, known as "articling," under the guidance of his uncle, Andrew Norton Buell, in his hometown of Brockville. This hands-on training was crucial for gaining practical experience before entering the bar. Richards was formally called to the bar in 1837, marking the official start of his legal career. He subsequently practiced law in Brockville, initially forming a partnership with George Malloch until 1853, and later rejoining his uncle's practice.

Transition to Politics and Early Judicial Service

Richards’ early career was not confined solely to legal practice; he also engaged in the political life of the Province of Canada, the united colony formed in 1841 from Upper and Lower Canada. In 1848, he successfully ran for election to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada. His legal acumen quickly propelled him through the political ranks, and by the end of that same year, he had been appointed Attorney General for the province. This role placed him at the heart of legal and governmental affairs, giving him invaluable experience in shaping the colony's laws and judicial system. However, his tenure in politics was relatively brief. In June 1853, he decided to leave the political arena and return to the judiciary, accepting an appointment to the Court of Common Pleas of Canada West. This court was a significant judicial body responsible for civil cases in the western part of the united province, which largely corresponded to present-day Ontario. His capabilities were swiftly recognized, leading to his elevation as Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in 1863.

Chief Justice of Ontario and the Whelan Trial

Following the Confederation of Canada in 1867, Richards continued his distinguished judicial career. In November 1868, he was appointed Chief Justice of the province, a role that saw him preside over the highest court in Ontario at that time. It's important to remember that the Supreme Court of Canada, which now stands as the country's highest court, had not yet been created. Therefore, his position as Chief Justice of Ontario represented the pinnacle of judicial authority within the province. During this period, Richards presided over a case of immense national significance: the appeal of Patrick James Whelan. Whelan had been convicted for the assassination of Thomas D'Arcy McGee, a prominent Father of Confederation, orator, and journalist, who was tragically shot in Ottawa in April 1868. McGee's murder sent shockwaves across the young Dominion, and Whelan's subsequent trial and appeal captivated public attention. Richards' involvement in hearing this high-profile appeal underscored his critical role in upholding justice during a sensitive and transformative period in Canadian history, even though the appeal was ultimately dismissed, and Whelan was executed.

The Inaugural Chief Justice of Canada

A landmark moment in Canadian legal history arrived in 1875 with the creation of the Supreme Court of Canada. This new institution was established to serve as the final court of appeal for the entire Dominion, solidifying Canada's judicial independence from the British Privy Council, though appeals to the latter would persist for some time. Given his extensive judicial experience, respected legal reputation, and his prior role as the highest judge in Ontario, Sir William Buell Richards was the natural and fitting choice to be appointed directly as the first Chief Justice of this new national court. His appointment on September 30, 1875, marked a pivotal transition for Canadian law, as he was tasked with establishing the precedents and procedures for the nation's supreme judicial body. He served diligently in this foundational role until his retirement on January 10, 1879, leaving behind a legacy of establishing a strong foundation for Canada's highest court.

A Family Legacy in Public Service

The Richards family demonstrated a strong tradition of public service. Sir William Buell Richards’ brother, Albert Norton Richards, also left a significant mark on Canadian public life. He served as a Member of Parliament in the Canadian House of Commons and later held the prestigious position of Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, further cementing the family's contributions to both federal and provincial governance. Adding a touch of artistic legacy, Sir William's niece, Frances Richards, painted his official portrait, a work that likely now graces the halls of the Supreme Court of Canada, serving as a lasting visual tribute to its inaugural Chief Justice.

FAQs About Sir William Buell Richards

Who was Sir William Buell Richards?
Sir William Buell Richards was a distinguished Canadian jurist, best known as the very first Chief Justice of Canada, appointed in 1875 when the Supreme Court of Canada was established. He played a crucial role in the early development of Canada's judicial system.
What was Sir William Buell Richards' most notable achievement?
His most notable achievement was undeniably being the inaugural Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. This role positioned him as a foundational figure in the country's highest judicial institution, tasked with setting its initial course and precedents.
When was he appointed Chief Justice of Canada?
Sir William Buell Richards was appointed the first Chief Justice of Canada on September 30, 1875, coinciding with the official creation of the Supreme Court of Canada.
What significant case did he preside over before his Supreme Court appointment?
Before his appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada, while serving as Chief Justice of Ontario, he notably heard the appeal of Patrick James Whelan, who was convicted for the assassination of Thomas D'Arcy McGee, a prominent Father of Confederation.
How long did Sir William Buell Richards serve as Chief Justice of Canada?
He served as the Chief Justice of Canada from his appointment on September 30, 1875, until his retirement on January 10, 1879, a tenure of just over three years.