Judicial Independence and Federalism in Canada
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Questions and Answers

What aspect does judicial independence primarily defend against?

  • Abuse of executive power (correct)
  • Abuse of judicial power
  • Public opinion pressure
  • Legislative inefficiency
  • Which legal document contains the judicature provisions relevant to judicial independence?

  • The Bill of Rights
  • The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
  • The Constitution Act, 1867 (correct)
  • The Supreme Court Act
  • What is a fundamental principle underpinning the concept of judicial independence?

  • Majority rule
  • Separation of church and state
  • Direct democracy
  • Separation of powers (correct)
  • The architectural argument regarding judicial independence focuses on which aspect?

    <p>Functional role of the Charter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the separation of powers doctrine require regarding the relationship between courts and other government branches?

    <p>Depoliticization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What principle asserts that all public powers must be based in a legal rule?

    <p>Rule of law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about CJ Lamer's method of constitutional interpretation?

    <p>It employs a structural argument.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents an unwritten principle of law in the context of judicial independence?

    <p>Rule of law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be defined narrowly to allow governments to act freely within their authority?

    <p>Conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of a Federal Paramountcy analysis?

    <p>Effect of the provincial law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the scenario where one law supports a claim while another prohibits it?

    <p>True incompatibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when there is an operational conflict between two laws?

    <p>The conflicting law is frustrated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstances does Federal Paramountcy apply?

    <p>Conflicting federal and provincial laws</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when Federal Paramountcy applies?

    <p>Provincial law is inoperative</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which doctrine restricts the constitutional authority of provincial legislatures?

    <p>Interjurisdictional Immunity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a provincial law if the federal law it conflicts with is repealed?

    <p>The provincial law springs back into operation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the POGG clause allow Parliament to do?

    <p>Make laws for peace, order, and good government in unspecified matters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the powers described in sections 91 and 92?

    <p>Parliament has exclusive authority over subjects like public debt and taxation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a feature of Classic Federalism?

    <p>It maintains clear-cut authority and watertight compartments between federal and provincial jurisdictions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do sections 91 and 92 indicate about the interpretation of powers by the courts?

    <p>Courts often interpret provincial powers broadly, contrary to the drafters' intentions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a concurrent power granted by section 95?

    <p>Agriculture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What limitation exists on the exclusive powers of provincial legislatures as stated in section 92?

    <p>Provincial powers can be overridden by federal legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Federalism, what does 'Modern Federalism' expect?

    <p>The two orders of government can coexist with overlapping authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of the subjects listed in section 92?

    <p>They include economic matters and administration of justice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main branches of the Peace Order and Good Government (POGG) power?

    <p>The emergency branch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does section 91 of the Constitution Act 1867 authorize Parliament to do?

    <p>Enact laws for peace, order, and good government on matters not assigned to provinces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which case is noted for its significance regarding the emergency branch of POGG power?

    <p><em>Ref Re Anti-Inflation Act</em> 1975</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What interpretation did Parliament adopt regarding the POGG power?

    <p>A narrow interpretation associated with residual power not enumerated in ss.91 and 92</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which branch of POGG power justifies actions deemed necessary for national concern?

    <p>National dimensions branch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the basis for constitutional challenges by public sector unions against the Anti-Inflation Act?

    <p>It regulated matters within exclusive provincial jurisdiction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, how did the courts view interprovincial activities?

    <p>As falling within exclusive provincial jurisdiction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does section 92(13) of the Constitution Act 1867 primarily cover?

    <p>Provincial power over property and civil rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What standard did the Supreme Court revert to in its approach to Interjurisdictional Immunity?

    <p>'Impairment' standard</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component of federal jurisdiction is a vital part of its primary jurisdiction over subjects like labour relations?

    <p>Management of federal undertaking</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition can provincial legislation be deemed inapplicable based on Interjurisdictional Immunity?

    <p>If it affects a vital part of a federal undertaking</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must a provincial law do for the doctrine of Interjurisdictional Immunity to apply?

    <p>Impair a vital aspect of a federal undertaking</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary argument against a broad interpretation of Interjurisdictional Immunity?

    <p>It may lead to uncertainties and legal vacuums</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What doctrine could Parliament utilize if it prefers not to rely on Interjurisdictional Immunity?

    <p>Pith and Substance doctrine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of working conditions does Parliament hold exclusive jurisdiction over?

    <p>Management of federal undertakings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a case regarding a private airstrip, what legal principle did the court consider regarding provincial law?

    <p>It can be inapplicable under Interjurisdictional Immunity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential outcome if a provincial law conflicts with federal law?

    <p>Federal law prevails under the Paramountcy doctrine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be determined regarding a provincial law's effect on federal exclusive jurisdiction for Interjurisdictional Immunity to apply?

    <p>If its impact is significantly serious</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Pith and Substance doctrine evaluate?

    <p>The true nature and purpose of legislation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What legal limitation constrains the application of Interjurisdictional Immunity?

    <p>Its limited application in jurisdictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if compliance with both federal and provincial laws is impossible?

    <p>It implies federal paramountcy applies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate goal of Interjurisdictional Immunity?

    <p>To prevent interference with federal authority</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Judicial Independence

    • Judicial independence is fundamental to Canada's constitutionalism.
    • It ensures the separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
    • It protects the judiciary from external influences, including the legislature.
    • Textual sources of judicial independence include the Judicature provisions in Part VII of the Constitution Act, 1867, the Preamble of the Constitution Act, 1867, and section 11(d) of the Charter.
    • Unwritten sources include the logic of federalism, the separation of powers, and the rule of law.

    Federalism

    • The distribution of legislative powers between the federal and provincial governments is outlined in sections 91 to 95 of the Constitution Act, 1867.
    • Section 91 defines the legislative powers of Parliament.
      • The Peace, Order, and Good Government (POGG) clause gives Parliament the power to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of Canada.
      • Parliament has exclusive legislative authority over 30 specific subjects, including public debt and property, borrowing money on public credit, taxation, and the regulation of trade and commerce.
    • Section 92 defines the legislative powers of the provinces.
      • Provinces have exclusive legislative authority over 16 subjects, including administration of justice and economic matters within the province.
    • The reality is that the powers of Parliament and the provinces often overlap.
      • This has led to judicial interpretation of sections 91 and 92.
      • Courts have generally interpreted provincial powers very broadly, going against the intention of the drafters.

    Theories of Federalism

    • Classic Federalism: clear division of powers between federal and provincial governments, exclusive authority over jurisdiction, and a role for courts as arbiters.
    • Modern Federalism: acknowledges and expects overlap between federal and provincial governments, requires cooperation between the two levels, and emphasizes flexible approaches.
    • Interjurisdictional Immunity
      • A doctrine that restricts the application of provincial laws to matters falling within the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government.
      • The doctrine has been criticized for its broad interpretation.
      • The Supreme Court has narrowed the doctrine's application, requiring that provincial laws must impair, not just affect, a vital and essential part of a federal undertaking for it to apply.
    • Paramountcy
      • A doctrine that addresses conflicts between valid federal and provincial legislation.
      • Where such conflicts exist, federal law prevails.
      • The doctrine only applies where there is both valid federal and provincial legislation.

    Peace, Order, and Good Government (POGG)

    • Parliament has a residual power to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of Canada.
    • The POGG clause has three main branches:
      • Emergency Branch: allows the federal government to act in situations of emergencies, such as a state of war.
      • National Concern Branch: allows the federal government to regulate matters that are of national concern.
      • Gap Branch: allows the federal government to fill in gaps in the distribution of legislative powers.

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    Explore the essential concepts of judicial independence and federalism as integral components of Canada's constitutional framework. This quiz covers the separation of powers, legislative authority, and the critical legal foundations that uphold these principles within the Canadian context.

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