Statement of the General Legal Council on the passing of the Hon. Mr Justice C. Dennis Morrison OJ. CD. JA (Retd.)

The Hon. Mr Justice C. Dennis Morrison, OJ, CD, JA (Retd) was a giant of the legal profession. He was a leader of the Bar in every sense, both formally as President of the Jamaican Bar Association and informally as a brilliant advocate and mentor of a myriad of young lawyers. He lectured and tutored generations of law students at the Norman Manley Law School and is known and revered throughout the region by innumerable attorneys whose lives he touched. His were the lectures which were sought after, whether while attending the Norman Manley Law School or via post by those at the Hugh Wooding Law School.

Justice Morrison’s contribution to the bench was as significant if not greater. He served not only as the President of Jamaica’s Court of Appeal, but also as a member or President of multiple appellate courts. His judgments covered a wide range of areas and were always erudite and incisive. His ability to communicate seemingly complex concepts of law was amazing, delivered in a lyrical style, reflecting his love of literature; deservedly earning him the sobriquet, “Linguist”

Justice Morrison also served as a member of the General Legal Council, first as a representative of the Bar, and later as the Chief Justice’s nominee, representing the judiciary. He chaired the Council’s Continuing Legal Development Committee through the early years of that programme, and perhaps more importantly, he guided the Council’s deliberations and development with the same strengths he brought to the classroom, the Bar and the Bench: a calm demeanour, engaging with a ready smile and a polite but decisive response reflecting his brilliant mind.

The General Legal Council expresses its sincerest gratitude and pays homage to the Honourable Mr Justice C. Dennis Morrison. We deeply mourn his passing and convey profound condolences to his wife Janet, his children and other members of his family.