The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Toronto, Ontario
Registration of Arms and Supporters
June 15, 2009
Vol. V, p. 450
Arms of The Law Society of Upper CanadaBlazonSable on a chevron between two stags trippant in chief and a rose in base Argent barbed and seeded, an open book proper bound Azure edged and clasped Or between two maple leaves Gules; SymbolismThe use of black and white alludes to the courtroom vesture of lawyers. The stags are taken from the arms of Sir John Beverley Robinson, Bt., an early Treasurer of the Society and the Chief Justice of Upper Canada from 1829 to 1862. The white rose is a symbol of York, the former name of Toronto, where the Society has been located since 1799. The open book refers to the Law, and the two red maple leaves pay tribute to the members of the Society who gave their lives in the two world wars in the 20th century. |
CrestBlazonUpon a rocky mount proper a mantle Ermine lined Murrey thereon a beaver couchant proper holding in its mouth a sprig of two maple leaves Or; SymbolismThe beaver, a symbol of Canada, is taken from the seal of the Society, created in 1823. The rock alludes to the firm foundation of justice, and the scarlet and ermine cloth refers to judicial robes. The gold maple leaves are taken from the arms of the province of Ontario. |
MottoBlazonLET RIGHT PREVAIL; SymbolismLET RIGHT PREVAIL is a phrase based on the traditional maxim Fiat justitia ruat caelum, meaning “Let right prevail [i.e., let justice be done] though the heavens fall.” |
SupportersBlazonDexter the figure of Hercules holding in the dexter hand a club, sinister the figure of Justice holding in the sinister hand a sword erect proper pommel and hilt Or and with a balance Or suspended from the blade, both standing on a grassy mount Vert; SymbolismHercules, shown here girded with the pelt of the Nemean lion, and the allegorical figure for Justice both appear on the Law Society’s seal. Together, they represent fortitude and justice. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 12, 2009 in Volume 143, page 3682 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Gordon Macpherson, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterGordon Macpherson CalligrapherNot applicable Recipient TypeCivil Institution
Other InformationThe recipient's emblems were originally recorded in the records of the College of Arms, London, England, 2 September 1964. |