Canadian, Lawyers & Judges, Regional Canada, Canada, Legal History, Queen's Bench, Manitoba, 1870-1950, Canadian Biographies, Biographies 

"This study of the Manitoba judiciary is not only the first biographical history to examine an entire provincial bench, it is also one of the first studies to offer an internal view of the political nature of the judicial appointment process. The relative youth of Manitoba as a province and the small size of its legal profession make possible an exceptionally detailed investigation of the background of those appointed to the province's highest trial court." "In this book Dale Brawn presents biographies of the first thirty-three men appointed to Manitoba's Court of Queen's Bench. The biographical data that he has collected elucidate how judicial candidates underwent a socialization process designed to cultivate a legal elite whose members shared remarkably similar views and ways of thinking. These biographies suggest that, until at least 1950, seats on provincial benches were rewards for political services rendered. Many lawyers became judges not because of their legal ability, but because they had made themselves known in the communities in which they practised. This study offers an intimate look at the personalities that shaped the judicial bench and wielded considerable influence on the social and political environments in which they lived and worked."--BOOK JACKET. 

Content:
The Red River settlement becomes a province, 1872 -- A time of controversy, 1872-1878 -- The end of an era, 1879-1884 -- The Manitoba bar comes of age, 1885-1907 -- The emergence of a political elite, 1908-1920 -- A time of transition, 1921-1938 -- A most political bench, 1939-1950.