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Sir Charles Fitzpatrick

Sir Charles Fitzpatrick, minister of justice, chief justice of Canada (b at Québec City, Canada E 19 Dec 1853; d there 17 June 1942). After studying law at Laval, he was called to the bar in 1876.

Fitzpatrick, Sir Charles

Sir Charles Fitzpatrick, minister of justice, chief justice of Canada (b at Québec City, Canada E 19 Dec 1853; d there 17 June 1942). After studying law at Laval, he was called to the bar in 1876. Fitzpatrick quickly made a name as a criminal lawyer and acted as chief counsel for Louis RIEL in 1885, and for Honoré MERCIER after his dismissal from office in 1891. Fitzpatrick sat as a Liberal in the Legislative Assembly of Québec 1890-96 and the House of Commons 1896-1906, and served as solicitor general 1896 and minister of justice 1902 during the LAURIER administration. He resigned in 1906 to become chief justice of Canada. Upon retirement, he was lieutenant-governor of Québec 1918-23.