Judicial System & Legal Issues
The judiciary and legal systems represent an important aspect of Canadian governance and politics. Find articles on the structure of the Canadian judiciary and legal systems, as well as important legal-political trends and issues.
Supreme Court of Canada: Role, History, and Operation
The modern Supreme Court of Canada plays a pivotal role in Canadian politics. As the highest court in the country, the decisions of the Supreme Court touch on a wide range of issues: criminal law, civil law, federalism, and individual rights and freedoms. Read More »
The Indian Act: Historical Overview
The Indian Act is federal legislation that provides the basic legal status and entitlements of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. The Act deals with such things as the legal definition of who may claim Indian status in Canada, the rights and duties which accompany that status, the structure of Canada’s reserve system and the nature of Aboriginal self-government. Read More »
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: An Introduction to Charter Rights
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a central element of the Canadian Constitution and has a major impact on the relationship between Canadians and their governments. Read More »
The Canadian Constitution: Introduction to Canada’s Constitutional Framework
The Constitution is Canada’s premier political institution, representing the basic “rulebook” by which Canadian politics operate. Read More »
Public Inquiries in Canada
Public inquires have become relatively common events in Canadian politics, be it at the federal or provincial/territorial levels. Read More »
Youth Justice in Canada: History & Debates
Youth or juvenile crime is a controversial issue in Canadian politics. Read More »
Supreme Court of Canada Appointment Process
The Supreme Court of Canada is this country’s highest court, and is the final authority for all legal disputes, settling matters between individuals, o Read More »
Same-Sex Marriage in Canada
In July 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world, after the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, to legalize same-sex marriages nationwide. Read More »
The Notwithstanding Clause: Section 33 of the Charter
Section 33 of the Charter, commonly referred to as the Notwithstanding or Override clause, has an important place in Canada's constitutional development, as well as the relationship between the legislative and judicial branches of government. This article provides an introduction to the nature, operation, and history of the Notwithstanding clause. Read More »
Gomery Commission of Inquiry & Sponsorship Scandal
In February 2006, the Commission of Inquiry into the Sponsorship Program and Advertising Activities (better known as the Gomery Commission) released the second of two reports. Read More »
