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Law Constitutional

Just Words

Constitutional Rights and Social Wrongs

by (author) Joel Bakan

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
May 2017
Category
Constitutional, Constitutions, Human Rights, Canadian, Civil Rights, Political Freedom
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781487516550
    Publish Date
    May 2017
    List Price
    $34.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802074805
    Publish Date
    Jun 1997
    List Price
    $35.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781487516727
    Publish Date
    Jun 2017
    List Price
    $25.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780802004611
    Publish Date
    Jun 1997
    List Price
    $67.00

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Description

The Canadian Charter of Rights is composed of words that describe the foundations of a just society: equality, freedom, and democracy. These words of justice have inspired struggles for civil rights, self-determination, trade unionism, the right to vote, and social welfare. Why is it, then, that fifteen years after the entrenchment of the Charter, social injustice remains pervasive in Canada?

Joel Bakan explains why the Charter has failed to promote social justice, and why it may even impede it. He argues that the Charter's fine-sounding words of justice are 'just words.' Freedom, equality and democracy are fundamental principles of social justice. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms entrenches them in Canada's highest law, the constitution. Yet the Charter has failed to promote social justice in Canada. In Just Words, Joel Bakan explains why.

Sophisticated in its analyses but clearly written and accessible, Just Words is cutting-edge commentary by one of Canada's rising intellectuals.

About the author

Joel Bakan is a professor of law at the University of British Columbia.

Joel Bakan's profile page