Just Words

£24.99

Just Words

Constitutional Rights and Social Wrongs

Human rights, civil rights Constitutional and administrative law: general

Author: Joel Bakan

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Collection: The Canada 150 Collection

Language: English

Published by: University of Toronto Press

Published on: 22nd June 2017

Format: LCP-protected ePub

Size: 272 pages

ISBN: 9781487516727


Introduction

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?

Analysis

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.

About the Book

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

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