The Faculty of Law of Queen's University at Kingston

The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.

Kingston, Ontario
Grant of Arms
April 20, 2007
Vol. V, p. 134

Arms of The Faculty of Law of Queen’s University at Kingston
Arms of The Faculty of Law of Queen’s University at Kingston
 
Arms of The Faculty of Law of Queen’s University at Kingston

Arms of The Faculty of Law of Queen’s University at Kingston

Blazon

Azure a saltire Argent surmounted by a sword supporting a balance Or all within a bordure Gules;

Symbolism

The essential design of the shield is by the late Andre Bieler, R.C.A., incorporating the University’s colours of blue, yellow and red and components of a saltire and border. The sword and scales are symbols of the law. The border is a guardian of the contents of the shield.

Crest

Blazon

Issuant from an ancient crown Azure a demi-griffin Gules armed, beaked and holding between its talons a gavel Or;

Symbolism

The crest is in the colours of the University, and each aspect of it relates to a feature in the Arms. The crown is an allusion to the University from whose Arms it is borrowed. The gavel alludes to the law. The griffin represents a guardian of treasure, and its position holding the gavel shows that the law is being studied carefully.

Motto

Blazon

SOIT DROIT FAIT;

Symbolism

The words of the motto, meaning “Let right be done”, represent both creation of new law and dedication to the traditional values of the legal order. The words come from the French “Soit droit fait comme est désiré,” the traditional phrase used since Norman times to signify royal assent to new laws. The words symbolize the concept of the rule of law – the democratic ideal of government under just laws.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on October 6, 2007 in Volume 141, page 2826 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Region of Queens Municipality

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Andre Bieler (Arms), and Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, (Crest), assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter

Barbara Saville

Calligrapher

Shirley Mangione

Recipient Type

Civil Institution
University Faculty, Department & College