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This text has been thoroughly revised and updated to take account of developments in the field since the publication of the second edition in 2002. Since that time, the Supreme Court of Canada has continued to develop the jurisprudence in all areas of constitutional law, particularly the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Aboriginal rights. This book aims to provide both lawyers and students with a general introduction to, and overview of, the basic elements of the Canadian constitution. It should also interest lawyers who encounter constitutional issues and problems in their daily practice.

Detailed Table of Contents (PDF)

Summary Table of Contents

Foreword to the first edition
Preface

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: An Introduction to the Study of the Canadian Constitution

PART TWO: THE FRAMEWORK AND INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 2: Canada's Constitutional Development before 1867
CHAPTER 3: The Constitution Act, 1867: Executive and Legislative Power
CHAPTER 4: The Constitution Act, 1867: Federalism and Judicial Power

PART THREE: CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE
CHAPTER 5: Constitutional Amendment, 1867 - 1982
CHAPTER 6: Constitutional Amendment since 1982

PART FOUR: THE COURTS AND CANADIAN FEDERALISM
CHAPTER 7: The Courts and Canadian Federalism: From Watertight Compartments to Shared Responsibility
CHAPTER 8: Peace, Order, and Good Government
CHAPTER 9: Trade and Commerce
CHAPTER 10: Property and Civil Rights in the Province
CHAPTER 11: Criminal Law
CHAPTER 12: The Constitution and Transportation

PART FIVE: THE CHARTER AND ABORIGINAL RIGHTS
CHAPTER 13: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
CHAPTER 14: Aboriginal Peoples and the Canadian Constitution

PART SIX: CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 15: The Canadian Constitution in the Twenty-First Century

Glossary
The Constitution Acts, 1867 to 1982
Table of Cases
Index