LAW486

Jurisprudence: Legal Approaches to Sexual Violence

(Bailer)

Prerequisite courses: 

Prerequisite for: 

Instructor(s): Andrea Bailer

Method of presentation: Seminar

METHOD OF EVALUATION

Written journal – 100%

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This seminar explores the legal theory, legal history, legal systems, legislation, and jurisprudence surrounding sexual violence in Canada.

Topics will include an overview of:

• Theoretical underpinnings: Law’s conception of sexual violence

• Social realities of sexual violence in Canada

• Problems in practice: prosecuting criminal and civil claims for sexual violence

• State violence as sexual violence: residential schools and other state systems

• Role of rape myths in Canadian jurisprudence and legal thought

• Feminist activism and alternative legal orders addressing sexual violence

• Emerging issues

This course requires students to complete a substantial amount of reading on a weekly basis. You are expected to have read all of the material assigned for each class and come prepared to discuss it. Reading lists will be made available to registered students before the start of the summer semester.

At the end of the course, students will submit a journal recording their reflections on the ideas and issues addressed in the course. Journal entries should be prepared on a weekly basis and reflect each week’s reading materials and class discussions. Each journal entry should be between 5-7 pages double spaced. Interim journals may be submitted at the end of the second week for initial feedback if desired.

SPECIAL COMMENTS

Description updated 2024-25. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.

REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY):

TBD