Alan Young Toronto ON Obituary, Death:- The Osgoode Hall Law School community is mourning the loss of Professor Alan Young, a brilliant legal scholar, advocate, and mentor who passed away on December 7, 2024, at the age of 69.
A towering figure in Canadian law, Professor Young’s contributions to legal scholarship, reform, and education have left an indelible mark on the profession and the many students and colleagues who had the privilege of working with him.
Professor Young’s remarkable journey began at Osgoode Hall Law School, where he completed his law degree in 1981. His early career was distinguished by a clerkship with Chief Justice Bora Laskin at the Supreme Court of Canada, followed by an LLM from Harvard Law School.
But it was his return to Osgoode in 1986 as an Associate Professor that set the stage for a lifetime of groundbreaking legal work and advocacy. As the Co-Founder and Director of Osgoode’s Innocence Project, Professor Young led a team of JD students in investigating wrongful convictions.
His commitment to justice was not limited to the academic realm but was woven throughout his work as a practitioner of criminal law. With his small criminal law practice, he focused on challenging state authority in criminalizing consensual activities, playing a pivotal role in significant legal reforms that would change the landscape of Canadian law.
One of Professor Young’s most notable accomplishments was his involvement in the landmark 2013 Supreme Court case Canada (AG) v. Bedford. The case, which led to the striking down of Canada’s prostitution laws as unconstitutional, was a defining moment in Canadian legal history.
Professor Young’s advocacy on behalf of marginalized groups, including medical marijuana patients, also led to significant federal regulations permitting the medicinal use of marijuana. His tireless efforts earned him recognition, including multiple accolades as one of Canadian Lawyer magazine’s “Top 25 Most Influential” in the justice system.
Beyond his legal prowess, Professor Young was known for his exceptional teaching and mentorship. His passion for criminal law inspired generations of students, many of whom went on to become leaders in the field.
Justice James Stribopoulos, a former student and now a judge at the Superior Court of Justice, said, “Alan Young changed my life. His passion for criminal law was infectious, and many caught the bug from him.”
Despite his numerous professional accomplishments, Professor Young’s legacy extends far beyond the cases he won or the reforms he initiated. He was a tireless advocate for justice, an insightful scholar, and, perhaps most importantly, a mentor who shaped the careers of countless individuals who will carry forward his commitment to the law and its potential to effect positive social change.
In the words of Osgoode Dean Trevor Farrow, “Alan was a trailblazer who made huge contributions not only to Osgoode but to the law and legal profession in Canada.” Professor Young’s loss is deeply felt by the entire Osgoode community, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of lawyers and advocates.
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