507 Canadian Human Rights Law (Raso)

LAW507

Canadian Human Rights Law

(Raso)

Prerequisite courses: 

Prerequisite for: 

Instructor(s): Professor Jennifer Raso

Method of presentation: Lecture

METHOD OF EVALUATION

Learning will be evaluated based on three components: 

• A final paper (10% outline, 45% for a paper of 5,500 words maximum); 

• A team-based reading reflection and presentation (20%); 

• An end-of-term learning reflection (10%); and 

• In-class engagement (15%).

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This seminar will introduce students to the key components of establishing a prima facie case of discrimination using Canadian Human Rights Codes. 

We will examine the main elements of a discrimination complaint under these Codes, including: 

• What constitutes a prima facie case of discrimination? 

• When is discrimination prohibited? 

• What are prohibited grounds of discrimination, and how do they define the boundaries of discrimination? 

• How do the defences of bona fide occupational requirement and reasonable accommodation/undue hardship function and when are they available?. 

To ground the above, we will also consider Charter influences on the development of Canadian Human Rights Codes, and exceptions to the Code-protected right not to be discriminated against.

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):

Required readings will consist of academic texts, legal documents, and other materials (i.e. blog posts, newspaper articles, podcasts, etc.). All will be available on TWEN.