Human Rights and Civil Liberties

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
CRIM 3335
Discontinued
No
Course Code
CRIM 3335
Descriptive
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Department
Criminology
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
201930
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
35
Contact Hours
Lecture: 4 hrs per week / semester
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities

The following methods of instruction will be utilized:

  • Lectures
  • Class discussions
Course Description
This course focuses on the relationship between government and the individual. The primary focus is on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its interpretation by the judiciary. Key Charter concepts including equality before the law, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and democratic rights are examined.
Course Content

 

  1. Introduction and Overview
    • Historical context for human rights and civil liberties
    • Current context for human rights and civil liberties
    • The role of judicial review
  2. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: General
    • Interpretation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
    • Limits placed upon Charter rights
    • Charter litigation and remedies
  3. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Substantive Rights
    • Fundamental Freedoms Freedom of Expression
      • Freedom of Religion
      • Democratic Rights
    • Legal Rights
      • Life, Liberty and Security of the Person
    • Equality Rights

 

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course the successful student will be able to:

  1. Describe the historical context within which the Charter was developed.
  2. Describe other legal protections for human rights and civil liberties, aside from the Charter.
  3. Describe the overall structure and purpose of the Charter.
  4. Compare and contrast the competing views on the legitimacy of judicial review under the Charter.
  5. Identify and describe differing judicial approaches to interpreting and applying the Charter.
  6. Read case law critically.
  7. Identify and describe the three main limitations on Charter rights and freedoms.
  8. Explain the basic structure and process of Charter litigation.
  9. Identify and describe the main remedies available under the Charter.
  10. Describe the fundamental freedoms protected by the Charter with reference to leading case law in relation to each of the fundamental freedoms.
  11. Describe the protection of equality rights in the Charter with reference to leading case law.
  12. Identify and describe the three interests protected by section 7 of the Charter with reference to leading case law in relation to each protected interest.
  13. Describe the democratic and mobility rights protected by the Charter with reference to leading case law.
  14. Describe the legal rights protected by the Charter with reference to leading case law.
  15. Apply the Charter to current social, political and economic issues in Canada.
Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be based upon the course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policies. The instructor will provide a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the course. Evaluation will be based upon the following:

  • Exams
  • Research paper or other written assignment
  • Class attendance and participation

An example of one possible evaluation scheme would be:

Class attendance and participation:  10%
Midterm exam:  30%
Research paper:  30%
Final exam:  30%
Total 100%
Textbook Materials

Text:

  • Sharpe, R.J. & Swinton, K.E. (2002). The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 2nd Edition. Toronto: Irwin Law.

Other:

The text will be supplemented by more recent case law and legislation as required. Web-links to this case law and legislation can be provided to students so they can be accessed at no cost and without any copyright violation by the college.

Prerequisites

CRIM 1160