Truscott Lecture in Justice

Steven Truscott was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1959, at the age of 14. It took until 2007 to prove his innocence.

The Truscott Lecture in Justice is part of the Truscott Initiative launched at the University of Guelph in 2009 to commemorate the struggles of wrongfully convicted Guelph resident Steven Truscott and his family. The lecture series helps shine a light on the Canadian criminal justice system and highlights how criminal justice intersects with public policy and broader conceptions of justice.

Reflections on Justice at the 2023 Truscott Lecture

Supreme Court of Canada Justice Michael Moldaver had a special connection to the Truscott case, having served on the Ontario Court of Appeal while the case was being heard. Ryan Truscott, son of Steven Truscott, reflects on what a passing greeting by Justice Moldaver in the hallway and the opportunity to connect 20 years later for this year's lecture meant to Ryan and his family.

"While physical freedom had been given to my dad in 1969, freedom from the stigma and shame that comes along with being titled a convicted murderer for him and our family was never granted. Justice Moldaver spoke about the flaws in my dad's case, about that 14-year-old boy that was sentenced to be hanged, who was now sitting before him as a 78-year-old grandfather."

– Ryan Truscott

Read Ryan's Story

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