Dean Iacobucci hosts special edition of “Yak’s Snacks” with guest Justice Abella
Supreme Court of Canada puisne justice the Honourable Rosalie Abella visited the Faculty of Law on Monday, November 18. She came to chat with students as part of Dean Iacobucci’s monthly event, Yak’s Snacks. Attracted by her star power and captivated by her words, a ring of students were gathered around Justice Abella in the atrium that morning.
Justice Abella has a longstanding relationship with the Faculty of Law. Last year, she judged the October Grand Moot and also visited Professor Richard Stacey’s spring Administrative Law class to host a conference call and answer questions. Just this past October, she received the University’s Rose Wolfe Distinguished Alumni Award at the law school. She was recognized for her outstanding professional achievements and her dedication to social causes, as a champion of human rights. Only thirty students had the opportunity to meet her on that occasion. This time, Dean Iacobucci sent out an open invitation to, as he suggested, have “Coffee and Tea with Rosalie… Abella J”.
Ultra Vires picked up some insight from her conversations at the event.
“I’m gone in two years and I get my life back; I get to start reading books again,” Justice Abella joked. She is approaching her mandated retirement—Canadian Supreme Court Justices must retire from the bench at the age of 75. That is not to suggest that her current life is all work and no play. Justice Abella is watching The Crown on Netflix—she binged four episodes that Sunday. After discussing the merits of the show, she turned to a student and asked, “So, are you having fun at law school?”
“Justice Abella was warm and welcoming, and really took the time to introduce herself and chat with individual students,” commented Maddi Thomas (1L).
Photo credit: Jerome Poon-Ting
Sophie Chitiz (1L) asked Abella a question on the constitutional interpretation doctrine of originalism. Justice Abella said that originalism does not affect Canada in the way it that it affects the US, because we use the “living tree” doctrine of constitutional interpretation. She reminded students that although there is “a lot of great academic writing in the US,” most countries in the world now look to Canada for the constitutional protection of rights.
Leora Chapman (1L) noted, “I come from a family of four daughters. So, Abella is definitely an idol of mine and my sisters, for her work advancing women’s rights. It was really surreal getting the chance to speak with her.”
Students were not the only audience members. Professors made an appearance as well. Anthony Niblett and Martha Shaffer were among those spotted. Mayo Moran, the previous dean of the Faculty, also came by to greet Justice Abella.
As the hour for Yak’s Snacks came to an end, students dispersed to go to class, refueled after Coffee and Tea with Rosalie… Abella J.
