PSCI 4109
The Politics of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The genesis and impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Particular emphasis on the politics of aboriginal, language, and equality rights.
2026
Topics
- Charter’s Purpose (I): Introduction and nature of the Charter
- Charter’s Purpose (II): What is the political purpose of the Charter?
- Charter’s Purpose (III): (Reasonable) Limitations on Rights and
- Charter’s Purpose (III): Judicial review vs. Will of the people
- From Purpose to Individual Rights (I): The Charter and Access to
- Individual Rights (II): The Charter and the Freedom of Expression
- Jurisdictions, Rights, and Constitutional Amendments
2021
Readings
- Heather MacIvor, CANADIAN POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT IN THE CHARTER ERA, 2nd edition (Toronto: Oxford University Press, 2013) (at the Bookstore, new or rented, and on reserve in the library)
Prerequisites & course information
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year Honours standing or permission of the Department. Seminar three hours a week.