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Political Science Human Rights

Free to Believe

Rethinking Freedom of Conscience and Religion in Canada

by (author) Mary Anne Waldron

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
May 2013
Category
Human Rights, Religion, Politics & State, Canadian
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781442613843
    Publish Date
    May 2013
    List Price
    $43.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781442645554
    Publish Date
    Jun 2013
    List Price
    $88.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442663084
    Publish Date
    May 2013
    List Price
    $33.95

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Description

Free to Believe investigates the protection for freedom of conscience and religion – the first of the “fundamental freedoms” listed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – and its interpretation in the courts. Through an examination of decided cases that touches on the most controversial issues of our day, such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and minority religious practices, Mary Anne Waldron examines how the law has developed in the way that it has, the role that freedom of conscience and religion play in our society, and the role it could play in making it a more open, peaceful, and democratic place.

While the range of cases explored will be of interest to scholars, Free to Believe is also written in an accessible style, with legal terms and concepts explained for those who wish to learn accurate, detailed information about the impact of the law on contemporary social policy issues. As such, this book widens the debate about this fundamental freedom and the influence of public opinion on what is often a misrepresented and misunderstood issue.

About the author

Mary Anne Waldron is a professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Victoria.

Mary Anne Waldron's profile page

Awards

  • Winner, Outstanding Academic Title awarded by CHOICE
  • Winner, Canadian Law and Society Association Book Prize

Editorial Reviews

‘This uniquely brilliant contribution to the study of diverse social values is also timely as the Quebec government endeavors to inscribe Quebec society’s putative values in a controversial charter… Highly recommended.’

Choice Magazine vol 51:08:2014

‘This thought provoking book provides readers with a valuable perspective for modern democratic issues.’

Saskatchewan Law Review vol 77:2014