100 Alumni of Influence

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Willard (Bud) Estey C.C., BA’40, LLB’42, LLD’84 (d. 2002)

Willard Estey s reputation as an expert lawyer and jurist far exceeds the boundaries of Canada. After almost three decades of law practice in Ontario, he was appointed to a succession of high judicial offices, each of which he filled with great distinction. He served as a member of the Ontario Court of Appeal, as Chief Justice of the High Court, and as Chief Justice of Ontario, being elevated to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1977. The reforms to the administration of justice advocated by Mr. Estey are substantial, including pre-trial procedures to expedite the legal process and televising expert testimony in trials prior to the empanelling of juries to avoid delay and inconvenience. He was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1990.