- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Osgoode Hall Law School
Toronto, Ontario
Registration of Arms
March 15, 2016
Vol. VI, p. 594
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale, dexter, Gules a Doric column Or ensigned by a beaver couchant proper and entwined about by an escrol Argent inscribed MAGNA CHARTA ANGLIÆ, meaning “The Magna Carta of England”, in letters Sable; sinister, per fess in chief Azure semé of millrinds a canton Or charged with a lion rampant Purpure (the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn), in base Azure a Pegasus forcene Argent (the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple);
Crest
In front of a classical portico Argent an antique lamp Or enflamed proper;
Motto
PER JUS AD JUSTITIAM;
Symbolism
Arms
The column, scroll and beaver appear on the seal, from 1823, of the Law Society of Upper Canada, which created and operated Osgoode Hall Law School until 1968. The beaver is a Canadian symbol, and the column represents Magna Carta as being the central pillar of the English legal tradition. The quarter of the shield with millrinds is the coat of arms of Lincoln’s Inn, one of the Inns of Court in London, England, to which William Osgoode, the first Chief Justice of Upper Canada and the school’s namesake, belonged. The quarter of the shield with the pegasus is the arms of the Inner Temple, the Inn of Court to which John White, Upper Canada’s first Attorney General, belonged.
Crest
The portico refers to Osgoode Hall on Queen Street in Toronto. The lamp symbolizes learning.
Motto
This Latin phrase, meaning “Through Law to Justice”, reflects the goal of legal education.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 22, 2016, in Volume 150, page 3150 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Charles Smalley-Baker
Painter
Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
University Faculty, Department & College
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 5 June 1958.