[3] Irene Murdoch, the wife of an Albertan rancher, submitted a claim for half the interest in the family ranch that was registered under the husband's name.

The question put before the Court was whether there was an implied trust on behalf of the wife for all her years of labour on the ranch.

Many scholars, himself included, believed that his dissent was a major factor in his unexpected promotion to Chief Justice several years later.

[2][7] Following the Supreme Court decision, Irene Murdoch started a new proceeding, a petition for divorce.

In the divorce proceedings, she was found to be entitled to a lump-sum award of $65,000 from James Murdoch, in place of monthly spousal maintenance.