This seminar-based course includes a focus on the legal dynamics of police/civilian encounters through student-led review of the law surrounding detention, arrest, search and seizure and, as time permits, other current and timely matters. The emphasis is on reviewing salient Charter violations and the recent case law. Indigenous issues as they pertain to cases on sentencing (Gladue, Ipeelee), Constitutional exemptions (Chief), representative juries (Fiddler, Kokopenace), and journal papers are also considered. Students will engage in leading seminars, class discussions and writing either a perspectives paper or legal analysis piece (i.e. a memorandum or factum).
Students are encouraged to think critically about the justice system and the integral role lawyers play in delivering ethical and effective legal service.