From left: the Honourable Michael Tulloch, Ryerson University president Sheldon Levy, York University president Mamdouh Shoukri and Osgoode Dean Lorne Sossin at Black History Month celebrations at Osgoode Hall Law School in 2013.
Judge heading police-oversight review praised for work ethic, experience
Michael Tulloch served as defence lawyer before joining the bench; now, in the wake of the SIU’s Andrew Loku report, he’ll examine the state of Ontario’s police watchdogs.
From left: the Honourable Michael Tulloch, Ryerson University president Sheldon Levy, York University president Mamdouh Shoukri and Osgoode Dean Lorne Sossin at Black History Month celebrations at Osgoode Hall Law School in 2013.
The judge appointed to head a provincial review of police oversight bodies has been described as a well-rounded man with a strong sense of integrity.
Court of Appeal Justice Michael Tulloch — who’ll be examining how Ontario keeps an eye on its police forces in the wake of Andrew Loku’s death — became the first black judge on Ontario’s top court when appointed in 2012 by the federal Conservative government. Prior to that, he had been a judge with the Superior Court of Justice since 2003.
A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, Tulloch was a criminal defence lawyer and assistant Crown attorney before becoming a judge.
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He also served as a special prosecuting agent with the federal department of justice and has participated in reviews including the Ontario Government Review of Civilian Oversight on Policing.
“Justice Tulloch is bright, hard working and has an abundance of common sense,” said lawyer Daniel Brown.
“His significant experience as a former criminal defence lawyer as well as trial and appellate court judge makes him the perfect candidate for this important role.”
Born in Jamaica, he came to Toronto with his parents at age 9.
Speaking to the Star following his historic appointment to the Court of Appeal, Tulloch said “my blackness does not define me.
“I’m black, yes, but the colour of my skin is incidental to who I am,” he said. “My involvement with academic institutions, it has nothing to do with my race, it has to do with education, education for all students.”
Jacques
Gallant is a Toronto-based reporter covering courts, justice
and legal affairs for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @JacquesGallant
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