The Queen’s community is remembering Professor Emeritus Allan Manson, who died on Aug. 19 at the age of 75.

Professor Manson taught at the Faculty of Law for nearly 40 years contributing greatly to its national and international reputation. An expert in Canadian evidence law and sentencing he was a highly respected legal scholar, lauded by both his students and his peers, across Canada and around the world. 

During his time at Queen’s, he established prison law and sentencing as core elements of the law school curriculum. Manson also served as the director of the Correctional Law Project, now Queen’s Prison Law Clinic, from 1979 to1981, and litigated a number of important cases in the field. 

“Allan was more than a brilliant legal mind; he was a force for justice, equity, and compassion in every facet of his life,” says Colleen M. Flood, Dean of the Faculty of Law. “His dedication to Canadian evidence law and sentencing was unparalleled, and his influence as a teacher and mentor shaped generations of legal professionals. Allan’s legacy will continue to inspire us all to strive for a more just and equitable society.”

Before joining Queen’s Law, Professor Manson practised criminal law and also served as Deputy Judge on the Yukon Territorial Court. He was a long-standing member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Committee on Release and Imprisonment and was Project Director of the Ontario Law Reform Commission study of the coroner system.

At Queen’s he was a dynamic, well-loved, award-winning teacher. He also contributed to the formation of the Queen's University Faculty Association in 1995, and served as president and chief negotiator. 

A family obituary is available online.