Reckoning with Racism: Police, Judges, and the RDS Case

The Supreme Court of Canada considered a complaint of judicial racial bias in 1997, involving a white Halifax police officer arresting a Black teenager. Judge Corrine Sparks acquitted the teen, but most white appeal judges critiqued her comments, leading to a debate about the legal system's non-racism. This book assesses the case, its impact, and its significance for the Canadian legal system.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2022
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

In 1997, a seismic shift occurred when the Supreme Court of Canada delved into the issue of judicial racial bias for the first time. The catalyst for this momentous decision was the appointment of Corrine Sparks, the country's first Black female judge. The case under scrutiny was the RDS (Racial Discrimination in the Workplace) case, which involved a white Halifax police officer who had arrested a Black teenager and charged him with assaulting an officer and obstructing arrest.

In a groundbreaking ruling, Judge Sparks acquitted the teenager, attributing the police's actions to overreaction when dealing with non-white youth. While the acquittal was upheld, most of the white appeal judges criticized her comments, asserting that the legal system was inherently non-racist unless proven otherwise. This contentious debate sparked widespread discussions and raised significant concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the Canadian legal system.

Reckoning with Racism delves into the intricate details of the RDS case, examining the background, the legal proceedings, and the profound impact it had on those involved. The book explores the emotional toll on the Black community, the legal challenges faced by the accused teenager, and the broader implications for the Canadian legal system. It sheds light on the historical context of racial discrimination in Canada, the struggles faced by marginalized communities, and the urgent need for systemic reform.

Through a comprehensive analysis, the book assesses the allegations of anti-white judicial bias and the broader societal implications of such allegations. It examines the role of race in the legal profession, the challenges faced by Black and other minority judges, and the efforts undertaken to promote diversity and inclusivity in the judiciary. Reckoning with Racism serves as a valuable resource for scholars, legal professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of race and justice in Canada. It raises important questions about the role of the legal system in perpetuating or challenging racial inequality and provides insights into the ongoing struggle for a more equitable and inclusive society.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774868273