The vast self-governing dominion created in 1867, with umbilical ties to the British still ongoing, Canada's legal history is rich, state-of-the-art model of freedom and democracy. But as with anything cutting edge, progress has been steady yet slow. These articles bring you to the significant moments of law-making or law-shaping, raw and uncensored.
French lawyer and New World explorer.
What was England thinking when, in 1763, they tried to impose English common law on the proud but defeated French population of Quebec?
Yes, folks. Quebec has not been the only province to seek separation! How about Nova Scotia?!
Achieving an independent supreme court was like taking a bone from a sleeping dog's mouth. Finally, in 1869, Canada saw its chance and tugged....
Precursor of international law - Canada-USA varietry, circa 1871, aka the great reciprocity debate.
Louis Riel's flair for the dramatic.
In 1877, a litigation craze hit quiet Ottawa.
1884: The Free-Masons break up a snowy winter.
In 1885, an MP proves the contrary point the minute he opens his mouth.
Oh, yeah! Bring it on brother! Laurier flaps his marvelous French-Canadian wings.
Jesuits Estates - a dynamite issue.
It all started in 1892: Canada's criminal law is rooted in the common law of England. The public policy advantages of codification began at the end of the 18th century in England where, in the words of Canadian Federal Court judge Allen Linden, criminal law had evolved into "a bottomless pit of complex case law, petty, anachronistic offences and harsh punishments."
The exclusive club of male legislators still believed what their forefathers had taught them and also, perhaps, that the earth was flat.
That whole "discretion .... valour" thing never comes easy for a political appointee, especially one blessed "majestically".
Cinq-Mars, tête-à-claque.
Canada's last sputtering of racist laws.
A temporary income tax? Wanna buy a bridge?
"She will vindicate the confidence that the last Parliament has reposed in her sex."
As Canada struggles with organized labour, Canada's chief law-maker, the prime minister, inherits the description "Mussolini is but a child".
Keeping "very bad" company.
Not necessarily conscription, but conscription if necessary.
Time had come to sever the umbilical cord.
Difficult divorce: Mrs. Jacqueline Mazurette, to be Ms at a price.
Of "homos" and government and a good dose of utter nonsense.
A little pain for a lot of gain.
Finally, in 1982, Canada cut the second last umbilical chord with Great Britain (the last being the Monarchy which continues ...), repatriated the Constitution and wheeled out an all-powerful, made-in-Canada charter of human rights and basic freedoms ... shaking every nook and cranny of Canadian law.
A bitter personal struggle underscores nation building.