Selwyn Romilly

Selwyn Romilly (1939/1940 – 22 September 2023) was a Canadian judge. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in November 1995, becoming the first black judge named to that court.

Early life Romilly was born in 1939 or 1940, He attended the Queen's Royal College in Port-of-Spain and shortly thereafter immigrated to Canada. He served until 1978. becoming the first Black judge named to that court. He retired from the Supreme Court in 2015.

In August 2003, Romilly ordered the extradition of former SS guard Michael Seifert from Canada to Italy for a conviction of war crimes taking part at Bolzano Transit Camp during World War II.

Racial profiling incident On 14 May 2021, Romilly was wrongfully detained by officers of the Vancouver Police Department while out on a morning walk.

Romilly, speaking with Global News, said:

Personal life and death Romilly moved to Smithers, British Columbia, where he married his wife Lorna. They had two children.

Awards and honours 1996 – Congress of Black Women of Canada, for public service 1997 – Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, award 2008 – Black Law Students Association of Canada, distinguished public service award