LAW599
Public Law and Practice
(Stam)
Prerequisite courses:
Prerequisite for:
Instructor(s): David Stam
Method of presentation: Seminar/Lecture, with the format depending somewhat on class enrollment.
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
100% Final Exam
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
On an ever-increasing basis the rights and responsibilities of individuals in our society are defined by the operations of various levels of government.
This course will focus particularly on the role of government-municipal, provincial and federal-in the litigation process, both from a substantive and procedural perspective. It has been designed for anyone contemplating the potential of a legal career within the Federal or a Provincial public service, as well as those who anticipate being employed with law firms actively engaged in litigation against various levels of government.
The lectures will include discussions regarding the special legislative provisions various levels of government must adhere to that are similar to those of private litigants, and those which are distinct. Does government enjoy some advantages? What remedies are unique to “the crown”, and what special rights do individuals have against it? How are legal proceedings involving various levels of government different from private actions? In short, the role of government in legal practice and procedure will be examined.
In addition, discussions involving the role of privacy and access legislation and other unique statutory enactments (i.e., the Municipal Government Act, the Federal Court Act, etc.) will also occur, allowing the student to grasp the basics of the material to be addressed when "taking on the crown" or "fighting city hall".
SPECIAL COMMENTS:
Description updated 2021-22. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.
REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY):