Throughout Canadian history — and in particular since the advent of the Charter — constitutional litigation has played a central role in the advancement of rights, the adjudication of public policy, and the development of Canadian constitutional doctrine.

This advanced course in public law will examine the adjudicative process for determining claims under the constitution. Materials will include court decisions and commentary but will also encompass observation of oral argument and the review of pleadings, factums, and evidentiary records to provide depth to the examination and discussion of seminal constitutional cases.

Among other topics, the course will explore: the role of the courts, Attorneys General, parties and public interest litigants, procedural issues, standing and justiciability, the preparation of pleadings, facts and evidence (including the role of expert evidence) in constitutional cases, effective written and oral advocacy, and the interplay between administrative and constitutional law in the review of government laws and action.