PROGRAM BOOKLET

DENNIS EDNEY
Originally from Dundee, Scotland and completed his L.L.B. (hon) in Newcastle upon Tyne,
England, His legal practice has focused on criminal law, constitutional law and human rights
law. He is listed as counsel in various reported cases, including various appearances before the
Supreme Court of Canada. He his also given leave to file an amicus brief before the U.S.
Supreme Court in the landmark case of Rasul v. Bush.
In 2004, he was appointed as Foreign Attorney Consultant by the U.S. Pentagon to participate
in the defence of Mr. Omar Khadr, a young Canadian, detained in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
As a co – recipient of the 2008 National Pro Bono Award, he was honoured for his work in the
following passage:
“The significance of Mr. Edney’s commitment is based not only on the tremendous energy,
time and personal resources spent advocating on Mr. Khadr’s behalf, but also based on the
complexity of the litigation, which was argued before Canadian and U.S. courts and military
tribunals. His commitment in the face of potential personal repercussions of representing
an unpopular case is a testament to the finest traditions of the legal profession. The fruits of his
labour have not only increased access to justice for one individual but impacted human rights
the world over”.
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