Controversies in the Common Law: Tracing the Contributions of Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin

Beverley McLachlin was the first woman to be chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. She helped the court navigate controversial decisions during her tenure by emphasizing judicial philosophy and incremental change. This book explores her approach to legal reasoning and contributions to controversial areas of the common law.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 13 November 2022
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Beverley McLachlin, a trailblazing figure in Canadian legal history, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Her appointment occurred at a pivotal time when the Court was shaping its approach to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a cornerstone of Canadian constitutional law. During her tenure, McLachlin played a crucial role in navigating the court through the public backlash that often accompanied controversial decisions.

Controversies in the Common Law delves into Chief Justice McLachlin's approach to legal reasoning, examining her remarkable contributions in contentious areas of the common law. The book spans thirty years, covering a diverse range of topics such as tort, unjust enrichment, administrative law, and criminal law. The contributors to this volume demonstrate that McLachlin possessed a philosophical streak that drove her to ensure unity and consistency in the common law while favoring incremental change over revolution.

This book serves as a celebration of the career of an influential jurist, showcasing how Chief Justice McLachlin's approach to the common law has successfully managed criticism and maintained the legitimacy of the Court. Through in-depth analysis and thoughtful insights, Controversies in the Common Law provides valuable perspectives on the role of judicial philosophy in shaping the law and the enduring impact of Chief Justice McLachlin's contributions to Canadian jurisprudence.

Weight: 710g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487540722