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Unit 2 – Rights and Freedoms. The Rule of Law. Agenda. 1. The Rule of Law 2. Hwk . R. v. Sauls , [2002] B.C.J. No. 3083 BCPC, p.30-33 McGraw Hill Ryerson CCLS ( Classnet ) do ?’s KU #1 & T #2 (relating to R. v. Gladue ). Learning Goal for Today.
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Unit 2 – Rights and Freedoms The Rule of Law
Agenda • 1. The Rule of Law • 2. Hwk. R. v. Sauls, [2002] B.C.J. No. 3083 BCPC, p.30-33 McGraw Hill Ryerson CCLS (Classnet) do ?’s KU #1 & T #2 (relating to R. v. Gladue)
Learning Goal for Today • By the end of the lesson, students will be able to analyze how rights and freedoms are protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Expectations • CGE3f – examines, evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society • Analyze how rights and freedoms are protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Mosaic Representing the Judicial and Legislative Aspects of Law The woman on the throne holds a sword to chastise the guilty and a palm branch to reward the meritorious. Glory surrounds her head, and the aegis of Minerva signifies the armor of righteousness and wisdom
Rule of Law in 2011 • The World Justice Project, an independent, non-profit organization, develops communities of opportunity and equity by advancing the rule of law worldwide.
Rule of Law in 2011 • Founded by William H. Neukom in 2006 as a presidential initiative of the American Bar Association (ABA), and with the initial support of 21 other strategic partners, The World Justice Project transitioned into an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2010. Its offices are located in Washington, DC, and Seattle, WA USA.
Rule of Law in 2011 • Canada is among the top ten countries in the world in four categories of the rule of law: limited government powers, order and security, open government, and effective criminal justice. Corruption is minimal and the country generally observes fundamental rights. • (p.23 2011 The World Justice Project Report)
Rule of Law in 2011 • However, discrimination against immigrants and the poor remains a source of concern (ranking 30th). Canada’s lowest scores are in the area of access to civil justice — where it ranks 16th out of the 23 high income countries indexed this year. • (p.23 2011 The World Justice Project Report)
Rule of Law in 2011 • This can be partially explained by shortcomings in the affordability of legal advice and representation, and the lengthy duration of civil cases. • (p.23 2011 The World Justice Project Report) • http://worldjusticeproject.org/country/canada
Rule of Law – First Constitutional Principle • Supremacy, or legal sovereignty of the central government over the whole country
Rule of Law – Second Constitutional Principle • Neither the individual nor the government is above the law (law is king, not king is law)
Rule of Law • Combination of positive and natural law • Positive Law: Builds its legitimacy upon the supremacy of the rule of law • Necessity of law: better to be governed by a system of laws than be governed by the discretion of a ruler or dictator, no matter how benign or informed • Need obedience to the law
Rule of Law • Natural Law: • In formulating rules of law, one must also consider the quality of the law which must satisfy a minimum standard of justice
Rule of Law • Included under this one expression (Rule of Law) are three distinct, though related, concepts:
Rule of Law • (1) Absolute predominance and supremacy of the law as opposed to arbitrary and discretionary use of authority on the part of government authorities • Translation: Laws can’t be applied arbitrarily
Rule of Law • (2) All individuals shall be treated equally before and under the ordinary law of the land. Consequently, no individual, regardless of position or status, is above obedience to the law • Translation: Laws apply equally to all
Rule of Law • (3) Rules forming part of the constitutional code reflect a society’s beliefs and values. These rules represent the rights of citizens as enforced and interpreted in a court of law. • Translation: Everyone/society agrees we need laws
Rule of Law • Professor Selznick taught that the quality of a country’s laws can be judged by whether an independent body, or branch of government exists that can challenge, review and limit the laws made by a ruling power • In Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada fulfills this role
Rule of Law • Read: Case A GROSS ABUSE OF LEGAL POWER Roncarelli v. Duplessis, [1959] SCR 121, page 89 • READ AND DO ?’S • CLASS DISCUSSION in 10 minutes