Canada S Charter Schools

The adoption of the Canadian Constitution Act in 1982, with its embedded Charter of Rights and Freedoms, ushered in an era of unprecedented judicial influence on Canada's public policy. The Courts, the Charter, and the Schools examines how the Constitution Act has affected educational policy during the first twenty-five years of the Charter by analyzing landmark rulings handed down from appellate courts and the Supreme Court. The contributors consider the influence that Charter cases have had on educational policies and practices by discussing cases involving fundamental freedoms, legal rights, equality rights, and minority language rights. Demonstrating why and how the Charter was invoked, interpreted, and applied in each of these cases, this volume also highlights the resulting consequences for Canada's public schools. An illuminating collection of essays by prominent legal scholars and educational commentators, The Courts, the Charter, and the Schools is a significant contribution to the study of educational law and policy in Canada.

The purpose of this guide is to provide a user-friendly handbook to inform school administrators and teachers about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, highlighting some of its more prevalent implications for educational practice. The guide begins with a brief introduction to the Charter, followed by a synopsis of the pertinent rights and freedoms. The text then focuses on ten main concerns under the Charter and how they relate to both denominational and non-denominational schools and school systems throughout Canada. The sections of the guide cover legal, religious, equality, and minority language rights, plus rights relating to special education and school attendance. Where applicable, each section presents true-to-life case scenarios which highlight suggestions for dealing with those and similar situations.