Canadian State Trials, Volume V: World War, Cold War, and Challenges to Sovereignty, 1939-1990

The fifth and final volume of the Canadian State Trials series examines political trials and national security measures from 1939 to 1990, including the Second World War, Cold War, FLQ, labor strikes, and Indigenous resistance. It critically examines the historical and social context of these events and their impact on Canadian law and politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2022
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

The Canadian State Trials series reaches its culmination with the fifth and final volume, delving into the realm of political trials and national security measures spanning from 1939 to 1990. This comprehensive collection of essays, penned by esteemed historians and legal scholars, sheds light on the profound experiences of the Second World War and its immediate aftermath. It explores the utilization of the War Measures Act and the Official Secrets Act as the Cold War unfolded, as well as the legal responses to the FLQ (including the October Crisis), labor strikes, and Indigenous resistance and standoffs. Through a critical examination of the historical and social context surrounding these trials and measures, the volume concludes the first comprehensive series on this vital aspect of Canadian law and politics.

The fifth volume's exploration of state responses to real and perceived security threats is particularly pertinent in today's context, as Canada grapples with new challenges to the established order. From Indigenous nations seeking a new constitutional framework to protestors challenging discriminatory policing and contesting public health measures, the volume offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of Canadian society.

The Canadian State Trials series has been a groundbreaking endeavor, providing a comprehensive and insightful examination of the nation's legal history. By delving into the trials and measures of a pivotal period, it has enriched our understanding of Canada's past and contributed to a more informed and engaged citizenship. As we navigate the complexities of the present and future, this series remains a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and all those interested in understanding the rich tapestry of Canadian legal and political history.

Weight: 920g
Dimension: 234 x 157 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487546038