Building Justice

A beautifully written book explaining how Frank Iacobucci's vision and humanity merged seamlessly with his brilliance to make him one of Canada's best judges. - Rosalie Silberman Abella, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and Samuel and Judith Pisar Visiting Professor of Law, Harvard Law School Frank Iacobucci has been an inspirational teacher, public servant, scholar, mediator, and jurist. Shauna Van Praagh brings together the melody of his life's work in this fine book. - Bob Rae, Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations Frank Iacobucci is a remarkable Canadian and his life story is an inspiration. He has done so much good in his lifetime in multiple important roles and done it with such generosity and kindness to everyone he has encountered along the way. This is a life in the law at its very best now captured for the ages. - J. Robert S. Prichard, President Emeritus, University of Toronto Frank Iacobucci's life is inspiring and Shauna Van Praagh has helped us see why. To me, he is reconciliation in action. As you read, I hope you feel the hope I have for our country, embodied in both Professor Iacobucci's life and the lessons Professor Van Praagh draws from it. - John Borrows, Professor of Law and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law, University of Victoria Law School From his early beginnings as the son of Italian immigrants in Vancouver, to his service on the Federal and Supreme Courts, to his pivotal role in the Meech Lake Accord and his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Frank Iacobucci has been - and continues to be - a major and influential figure. Building Justice is a lively and inspiring account of his life, his accomplishments, and his legacy. - Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia Serial public servant, scholar, mentor, judge, and family man. The story of Frank Iacobucci is moving and inspiring, filled with vitality and wit. Shauna Van Praagh writes with style and blazing creativity. We learn about the protagonist, of course, but much else as well: how law can help you figure out how to live; the role of narrative in life and law; and how to address some of the biggest issues in Canadian society. Justice Iacobucci may be right that there is nothing magical about courts but there is in this extraordinary book. - Stephen J. Toope, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge Shauna Van Praagh has given us a masterful, non-standard biography which allows us to see the multiple aspects of Frank Iacobucci's talents and skills while still showing us the profound humanity of the person and the very important web of relationships that are as constitutive in his life as they are illustrative. Building Justice is a wonderful read that evokes laughter and empathy while showing the richness of Frank's life and contribution. - The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada This is a remarkable story about an amazing Canadian and best of all, it's told in an accessible and engaging style, and with deep intelligence. A book worthy of its subject, a vivid portrait of Frank Iacobucci and his unique contributions to the country. - Sean Fine, Justice Writer, The Globe and Mail Through an innovative braiding of interviews, stories, scholarly analysis, poetry, myths, and metaphors, Shauna Van Praagh presents a compelling account of one of Canada's most distinguished and accomplished jurists and in so doing reveals the multiple ways in which it is possible (although sometimes difficult) to practice law in the public interest. - Richard Devlin, Professor of Law, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University