Lesson: 6

Topic: The development of Canadian legal independence.

During this class, students will discover how Canada's legal infrastructure evolved from that of a British colony to that of a fully independent, sovereign nation. Students will examine the significance of the British North America Act of 1867, the Statute of Westminster, and the Constitution Act, 1982.

In specific, the function of Canada's constitution, and of any constitution, will be explored. Students will come to appreciate the essential ingredients to an effective constitution. (Please refer to the Anatomy of a Constitution handout.)

Resources:

Text Reference:
• Chapter #5

Handouts:
• Our Legal Heritage: From Case Law to Our Constitution (PPT)
• Anatomy of a Constitution
• The BNA Act, 1867
• The Statute of Westminster, 1931
• The Constitution comes home.
Relevant web sites:
• Canadian Law: A History
• The Law Museum
• Kings & Queen's of England
• History of Assizes