CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

A constitution is a legal framework or guideline that establishes how power and authority within a country is exercised.

A constitution is the supreme law of the land A constitution is the supreme law of the land. It must be a reflection of the collective views and values of the people (political, economic & social) Many constitutions include an amending formula

Many constitutions consist of a written document that lays down the fundamental principles and rules for how a country governs itself. There are written and unwritten constitutions. Written-Includes Acts and Statutes Unwritten-Includes Customs, Conventions (common law, judgments, political convention, etc…)

Canadian constitution has both written and unwritten rules 1867-Canada was created by British Parliament & based on British model. Principles governing the federation of Canada is both codified(written) and uncodified(not written) Includes constitution documents (e.g. Structure of government, divisions of power, rights of individuals), convention (tradition and unwritten rules, common law, precedents, etc…)

DEBATE: Have unwritten conventions or written constitution shaped Canada?