150 Years of Landmark Decisions
Trailer
Freedom of expression, the right to privacy, medical assistance in dying — these rights didn’t always exist in Canada. They come from people like you and me who brought crucial questions before the courts. To mark the Supreme Court’s 150th anniversary, all nine justices speak about their role and the responsibility it represents. With constitutional scholars from across the country, we explore the landmark decisions that have reshaped Canada: fair trials, Indigenous rights, medical assistance in dying, privacy in the digital age, freedom of religion, equality rights. Discover how justice has shaped our society since 1875.
Exclusive interviews with all nine Supreme Court justices
Each justice shares their unique perspective on the Court’s role, their personal journey, and their vision for justice in Canada. An unprecedented opportunity to hear directly from those who render the country’s most important decisions.
Featured justices include:
- The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada
- The Honourable Mahmud Jamal — on diversity and the Court’s responsibility
- The Honourable Sheilah Martin — on understanding diversity to render proper justice
- The Honourable Malcolm Rowe — on collaboration and increased wisdom
- The Honourable Andromache Karakatsanis — on enforcing rights and the rule of law
Analysis from constitutional scholars across the country
Leading law professors and constitutional experts break down the landmark cases that have transformed Canada, explaining their historical context, legal reasoning, and lasting impact.
Featured scholars include:
- Marcus Moore — on the Charter as a source of Canadian pride
- Jocelyn Downie — on the right to life, liberty, and security of the person
- Kerri Froc— on dignity, respect, and equality
- Howie Kislowicz — on freedom of religion as essential to constitutional democracy
- Karen Drake— on Indigenous rights and the Sparrow decision
- François Tanguay-Renaud — on Charter protections and free democratic society
- Richard Moon — on political speech and democratic governance
The landmark decisions that have reshaped Canada
The series explores foundational rulings in key areas:
- Fair Trials — The right to be tried within a reasonable time
- Indigenous Rights — From Sparrow to reconciliation and self-governance
- Medical Assistance in Dying — The evolution from Rodriguez to Carter
- Privacy in the Digital Age — Protecting rights in an era of technology
- Freedom of Religion — Balancing religious liberty with other rights
- Equality Rights — Ensuring dignity and respect for all Canadians
- Freedom of Expression — Political speech and democratic governance
- The Rule of Law — Enforcing rights and maintaining justice
Because the law evolves with society
The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution according to the “living tree” doctrine, adapting legal principles to contemporary realities. This series shows how decisions rendered decades ago continue to influence our lives today — and how the Court will continue to shape Canada for the next 150 years.
Themes Explored
- The history and evolution of the Supreme Court of Canada (1875-2025)
- The Court’s role as guardian of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- The impact of decisions on Canadians’ daily lives
- The balance between legislative, executive, and judicial powers
- Access to justice and public trust in the courts
- Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
- Fundamental rights: expression, equality, privacy, liberty, security
- The living tree doctrine and constitutional interpretation
Resources and References
Official Sites
- Supreme Court of Canada: scc-csc.ca
- Case in Brief: Plain-language decision summaries
- Supreme Court Annual Review
Constitutional Documents
- Constitution Act, 1867
- Constitution Act, 1982
- Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Hosts : Me Hugo Martin and Laurence Laperriere
Director : Me Hugo Martin
Research : Laurence Thériault et Laurence Laperriere
Production : Rivercast Média s.a.
Transcript
Transcript – Shaping Canada : 150 years of landmark decisions
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