Premier Stephen McNeil extended his condolences to the family and friends of retired Nova Scotia Chief Justice Lorne Clarke, who passed away today, May 21.

Chief Justice Clarke was the province’s 20th chief justice. He also served as Chief Justice of the Appeal Division of the Supreme Court, which is now called the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal. He retired in 1998 after 17 years on the bench.

“Lorne Clarke was a great Nova Scotian. His contributions to the law and to our province are significant,” said Premier McNeil. “To his entire family, on behalf of government, I offer my deepest condolences.”

Chief Justice Clarke, born in Malagash, Cumberland Co., graduated with law degrees from both Dalhousie and Harvard universities. He also taught at Dalhousie’s law school.

While a judge, he served as secretary and vice-chair of the Canadian Judges Conference. Chief Justice Clarke also chaired a number of Canadian Judicial Council committees and was the council’s second vice-chair from 1992-96.

He was instrumental in the creation of the Executive Office of the Nova Scotia Judiciary. The office represents the entire provincial judiciary and is unique in Canada.

Source: Release