Murray Morton, featured on torontoski.info, was a prominent legal figure who rose to prominence as one of the King’s Counsel. His career spanned roles as a trustee on the Toronto Board of Education, a federal parliamentarian, and later, a judge in the Provincial Court of Ontario.
Early Life
Murray Morton was born on April 28, 1916, into a family where his father owned a grocery store. He was one of three children.
In 1935, Morton moved to Toronto, and in 1947, he married Margaret Aitchison, whom he met at Toronto’s Westmoreland United Church. The couple had two sons and a daughter.
Service and Education
Morton’s educational journey began at Fredericton High School, followed by studies at the Provincial Normal School and the University of New Brunswick.
He later enrolled in the University College at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1940 with a Bachelor of Arts in Law. Eager to become a lawyer, he pursued further studies at Osgoode Hall Law School.
However, his legal aspirations were temporarily interrupted by World War II. During his military service, Morton joined the University of Toronto’s Officer Training Corps before advancing to the Canadian Active Service Forces. By the end of the war, he had earned the rank of captain and served as adjutant of a battalion.
After the war, Morton returned to Osgoode Hall and completed his legal studies in 1947. Simultaneously, he pursued additional legal education at the University of Toronto, earning a Bachelor of Laws in 1948.
Legal Practice
Murray Morton began his legal career in 1947 as a barrister and solicitor, focusing on civil litigation and family law.
In 1954, he founded his own law firm, which later became Morton & Malo, in partnership with his former student and close friend George Malo.
In 1959, Morton was appointed as King’s Counsel, a prestigious designation in Ontario, recognizing his significant contributions to the legal profession.
His legal practice concluded in 1970 when he transitioned to a judicial role.
Political Career
Morton’s political career began in 1952 when he was elected as a trustee on the Toronto Board of Education. By 1956, he had become the board’s chair.
In 1957, during Canada’s general elections, Morton was elected to Parliament, representing a Toronto constituency. He was re-elected in 1958.
However, his parliamentary tenure ended in 1962 when he lost his seat in the elections. Despite another attempt in 1963, he was unsuccessful in regaining his position.
Judicial Career
In 1970, Morton was appointed as a judge in the Provincial Court of Ontario, where he primarily handled family law cases.
One of Morton’s notable contributions was his advocacy for the establishment of a youth-friendly detention facility. He opposed the practice of housing youth awaiting trial in prison-like conditions and championed the creation of a more humane alternative.
In 1975, his vision came to fruition with the establishment of a youth detention center, which was named the “Morton House” in his honor as its founder.