Canadian Law and Politics

This course examines the relationship between government and the courts in Canada. It explores how the Canadian legal system functions within the wider political system. Comparisons are drawn between Canada’s legal system and other liberal-democratic states. Core themes include the structure of the Canadian court system, how judges are selected and make decisions, the importance of judicial independence and accountability, how the Charter of Rights and Freedoms has transformed Canadian politics, and the overall effect of the courts on the quality of Canadian democracy and the rights of Indigenous peoples. Deeper questions concerning the pursuit of justice in contemporary liberal democratic societies will also be posed.