The Constitution of Canada: A Contextual Analysis

(Paperback, 2nd edition)

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Description

The first edition of this text quickly established itself as the classic introduction to the Canadian constitution. Setting it in its historical context, noting especially the complex interaction of national and regional societies, it shows how the constitution continues to morph and shape itself. These changes are explored through key constitutional themes: democracy; parliamentarism; the rule of law; federalism; human rights; and Indigenous rights, and describes the country that has resulted from the interplay of these themes. Clarity of expression and explanation, which never veers into simplicity, combined with the authors expertise, makes this the ideal starting point for the student or comparative lawyer keen to gain a strong understanding of how Canadian democracy and government works.

Reviews

This book is an umbrella of fundamental principles, covering flexibility, accommodation and negotiation necessary to enable members of a constitutional community who may disagree on issues but who want to remain bound together within a country and society. Impressive! -- Gregory Tardi * Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law *
The Constitution of Canada is a masterpiece an outstanding and original study of the Canadian constitutional experience by one of Canada's leading legal scholars. Webber explains the history, characteristics and resourcefulness of the living constitution in non-technical and illuminating language. He also shows how the constitution is shaped by the engagement and interaction of the diverse people of Canada, who are simultaneously subjects and active citizens of it a dynamic he calls agonistic constitutionalism." -- James Tully
Jeremy Webber has given us a rich, contextual account of Canada's constitution. Webber moves beyond the confines of constitutional texts and judicial decisions and grounds his account in the circumstances of the country's history. Only such an account can capture the deep diversity that is the hallmark of Canada's constitutional culture. -- Peter Russell
This is an excellent book. It provides relevant sociological context and outlines major elements of Canadian constitutional history and law. It does so in a very clear and accessible fashion, yet one that is never reductive or simplistic. -- Prof. Johanne Poirier * McGill University *
This is a great book: well-written, concise, easy to understand. It covers all of the basics about the organization of the Canadian state that undergraduate students need to know. -- Dr Sasha Baglay * Ontario Tech University *
The text provides a concise review of constitutional history and principles that will help students situate the issue of democratic policing, a fundamental concept when teaching policing in Canada. -- Bryant Greenbaum * Osgoode Hall Law School *

Author Bio

Jeremy Webber is Professor of Law, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.