Human Rights Documents Overview

Magna Carta and its Influence

• Magna Carta was a historic English document that influenced the development of constitutional law and human rights.

American Bill of Rights

• Provided a model for protecting individual rights within a democratic system.

French Declaration of the Rights of Man & Citizen

• Focused on individual liberty and equality impacting global human rights thought.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

• Adopted by the UN in 1948, creating a global standard for human rights.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Section 1 - Reasonable Limits Clause

• Rights can be limited by law if justified in a free and democratic society.

Section 2 - Fundamental Freedoms

• Includes freedom of thought, belief, expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

Sections 3-6 - Democratic and Mobility Rights

• Right to vote, run for office, and move freely within Canada (must be a citizen).

Sections 7-14 - Legal Rights

• Rights to life, liberty, security, fair trials, and protection from arbitrary detention.

Section 15 - Equality Rights

• Protection against discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and other factors.

Sections 16-22 - Language Rights

• Right to use English or French in federal courts and institutions.

Section 25 - Aboriginal Rights

• Acknowledges protection for Indigenous rights and traditions.

Section 33 - Notwithstanding Clause

• Allows governments to override certain Charter rights (provincial/territorial), reviewed every 5 years.

Oakes Case and Test

Oakes Test

• A legal test to assess if a law limiting Charter rights is justified under Section 1.
• Factors considered:
  • Pressing and substantial objective.
  • Proportionality (limitation not overly broad).

Ontario Human Rights Code

• Protects against employment, housing, and service discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity in Ontario.

Criminal Law Concepts

General Concepts

• Unions: Organizations negotiating on behalf of workers for better terms.

• Mens Rea: Criminal intent or knowledge of wrongdoing.

• Actus Reus: The physical act committed during a crime.

• Bail: Temporary release awaiting trial.

• Habeas Corpus: The right to be brought before a court if detained.

Explore the key historical documents that have shaped human rights and constitutional law, including the Magna Carta, American Bill of Rights, French Declaration, and Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This quiz highlights their influence on individual liberties and democratic principles worldwide.