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The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, Roman emperor Claudius and the Magna Carta.

Last week, Court of Alberta Justice Paul Mason sits before a packed Calgary courtroom, with an address that includes the sombre, intellectual discourse we’ve come to expect from those presiding over our country’s justice system.

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Also on this day, though, his address includes stories about childhood shenanigans, Calgary Flames fan-dom and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, amid frequent and hearty laughter from the courtroom gallery.

It is an unusual combination, to be sure, but then this is no regular day in courtroom 1106. That is because those gathered here — the spectators’ gallery is filled with judges both retired and currently serving, lawyers, court staff and others — have come for a special swearing-in before the bar, of a remarkable new member of their profession.

Greg McMeekin, 43, was born with cerebral palsy. He uses an electric wheelchair to get around and relies on the help of others for life’s daily needs. According to Neil Dobson of Alberta Justice, who served as McMeekin’s articling principal, “he has more physical challenges than any other individual who has ever sought entry into the profession in Alberta.”