A prominent lawyer in the province is remembering Elliott Leyton as a charismatic and incredibly effective teacher.

Criminal defense attorney Mark Gruchy, who was a student of Leyton’s at MUN in the late 90s, calls Leyton’s classes the most remarkable thing happening at MUN during that time, with lectures and lessons that would stick in your head permanently.

He says while his legacy in the study of the criminal mind will last, his students will remember him for his teaching prowess.

He says Leyton’s teachings on topics such as violence against humans and genocide were thought-provoking.

He says that legacy is important as nobody has covered these topics with such thoroughness.

He still remembers vividly one of his lessons on genocide.

He says Leyton said something to the effect of “You’re all pretty young. You’re too young to realize what some people will do for power.”

Gruchy says to hear someone of his stature say it so starkly has never left him.