- 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.
Legal Branch
Ottawa, Ontario
Confirmation of a Badge and Flag
February 15, 2018
Vol. VII, p. 57
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
Sable a dexter hand in armour grasping a sword rebated proper its hilt and pommel Or and surmounting a balance Or, all enclosed by the Miscellaneous Badge Frame (A wreath of maple leaves, overall in base a scroll Or inscribed with the Motto in letters Sable, in chief the Royal Crown proper);
Motto
FIAT JUSTITIA;
Flag
Gules the Badge of the Legal Branch between two bars Or each charged with a barrulet Sable;
Symbolism
Badge
The black field represents darkness and the inability to see, symbolizing the blindfolded figure of Justice. The balance, or scales of justice, is also an attribute of the same figure. The sword without a point represents Curtana, the sword of mercy, which is presented at the coronation of the sovereign, who is the fount of justice and mercy. The armoured hand represents the Canadian Armed Forces. The Royal Crown and maple leaves represent the Branch’s service to the sovereign of Canada.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Let justice be done.”
Flag
Wine-red is the colour of the Legal Branch, while the black stripes allude to the blindfold on the figure of Justice.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 17, 2018, in Volume 152, page 3857 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of the Department of National Defence (Badge, 1969; Flag, 1984).
The Badge was approved by Her Majesty The Queen in March 1969. The Flag was approved by the Chief of the Defence Staff in October 1984.
Painter
* Not available / Non disponible
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Military Institution
Military