POLS*3130 - Law, Politics, and Judicial Process
Course Description
This course is an introduction to law, politics and the judicial process in Canada. There will be an emphasis on the study of the judicial system as a branch of government and an exploration of the interaction between the judiciary, law, and the political process. The course will examine the organization of the judicial system, methods of selecting judges, judicial independence, the different actors that participate in the judicial process, and the processes by which courts hear and decide cases. The primary focus will be on public law in Canada, especially the Charter of Rights. This focus will be supplemented by comparisons with judicial processes in other countries.
What You'll Learn
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the basic institutions and processes of the Canadian court system, with a particular focus on the Supreme Court of Canada
- Analyze social and political trends using various political science theories, and critically reflect on their impact on judicial decision-making
- Explain the growth and scope of judicial authority in Canada, emphasizing the transformative impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms on the judiciary’s role compared to other governmental actors
- Develop and demonstrate effective written communication skills by completing two assignments that apply historical and theoretical evidence to judicial decisions
- Identify and compare the different forms of judicial appointments and judicial disciplinary procedures by the federal government and Canadian provinces and explain how these appointment and disciplinary rules have evolved over time
- Evaluate the influence of an increased judicial role on federalism and Indigenous rights in Canada, and assess how Indigenous rights interact with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the federal division of powers
- Critically assess the interactions between different governments and political parties with the judiciary, and apply this understanding to analyze several political controversies involving the courts over the past decades
Additional Requirements
Pre-requisite(s): 1 of POLS*2250, POLS*2300, POLS*2350Technical Requirements
You are responsible for ensuring that your computer system meets the necessary system requirements. Use the browser check tool to ensure your browser settings are compatible and up to date (results will be displayed in a new browser window).
*Course details are subject to change.