The Honourable Goldwin Arthur Martin, C.C., Q.C. (deceased)
Willowdale, Ontario
Through his judgements and teachings, he has nurtured the development of Canada’s legal system and devoted himself to the promotion of the highest standards of ethics by guiding and inspiring generations of Canadian lawyers. He was the chair of a provincial committee on sentencing disclosure, the report of which has become the touchstone for other jurisdictions. As a conciliator, he is credited with bringing representatives of traditionally adversarial groups, including law enforcement agencies, defence counsel and prosecutors, to a consensus on the complex issues surrounding resolution, disclosure and charge screening.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Officer of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 1991-04-19
Invested on: 1991-10-30
An authority in criminal law, he has also studied the often conflicting needs of the legal and mental health systems and has made a significant impact on the understanding of the law as it relates to mental disorder. He has dedicated over forty years to teaching criminal law and fifteen years as a justice of appeal during which time his teachings and creative judgements made him a leader in the development of this discipline.