|
 J. McKinley Cameron,
K.C. was chief counsel for the defence of
Emilio Picariello and Florence Lassandro and one of the most renowned
and astute criminal barristers in Alberta’s legal history.
Arriving in Calgary in 1909 the barrister from Nova
Scotia brought with him a law degree from Dalhousie University and years of
experience gained in the Gaspé area. More importantly, perhaps, was his
decision to specialize in criminal law rather than in general or corporate
law, the more customary practices of the time.
Not dissuaded by the difficulties inherent in criminal
law (chiefly the collection of fees), Cameron quickly carved out a position
for himself, practicing solo and strictly in criminal cases. He was known to
have an extraordinary understanding of the Canadian Criminal Code,
precedent-setting cases and legal technicalities, knowledge that quickly
enabled him to achieve distinction as one of the most able and sought-after
criminal barristers in Calgary. Although he often acted as a crown
prosecutor, the vast majority of his career was spent on the other side of
the courtroom as the legal representative for the defendant.
 John
McKinley Cameron is also remembered well for his attitude toward the formal
codes of his profession. A man known for an iron-tight mind and courtroom
skill, he was also the image of informality. While his unconventional
attitude may not have immediately provoked reverence from jury members, his
oration and tactics soon did.
The case of Emilio Picariello and Florence Lassandro was arguably one of
the most famous cases for John McKinley Cameron. It was, however, one that
he did not win. It was noted to be one of his most bitter defeats, perhaps
because he
 always believed that Picariello and Lassandro were innocent and
that based on all of the circumstances, someone in a nearby alley had fired
the fatal shot.2
|
“Although
it cannot help the defendants now, I have a great deal of hope that some day
this will become clear, and should confirmation occur, I, of course, would
have no hesitation in publishing the facts so as to be a warning against the
hasty mistake of this kind of finding in the future.”
—John McKinley Cameron3 |
 |
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
;)
;)
;)
