Inside the Supreme Court of Canada - 150 Years of the Highest Court in the Land traces the evolution of the court from its creation in 1875, to its independence from the Privy Council in the United Kingdom, to the adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, and beyond.
Over the course of 10 episodes, former justices, academics, and legal professionals reveal the inner workings and role of the Court, discuss key landmark decisions, judicial independence, the adoption of the Charter, and how the Court shaped Canada's legal landscape. As the Supreme Court marks its sesquicentennial milestone, this CPAC original series examines its history and the issues that may define its future.
History and Evolution of the Court
CPAC's Inside the Supreme Court of Canada - 150 Years of the Highest Court traces the Court's evolution from its creation in 1875 to today. Former justices and experts explore its early challenges, key leaders, and the transformative impact of the patriation of the Constitution and the adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982.
The Role of the Court
Inside the Supreme Court of Canada-150 Years of the Highest Court's second of 10 parts, examines the high court's place in Canada's system of government. In this episode we look at how cases come before the Court, and its status as the only high court that is both bilingual and bijural.
The Inner Workings of the Court
The third episode of Inside the Supreme Court of Canada - 150 Years of the Highest Court on CPAC examines the inner workings of the high court, from who can serve on the bench to which cases are heard by the Court.
Judicial Independence
The fourth episode of Inside the Supreme Court of Canada-150 Years of the Highest Court, examines the importance of independence within the judicial system to maintain trust in the rule of law and in Canada's democracy.
Photo credits: Library and Archives Canada and The Canadian Press
Funded in part by the Department of Canadian Heritage's Commemorate Canada Program.