Introducing the Runnymede Society

We at Advocates for the Rule of Law are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a registered charity dedicated to defending the constitutional freedoms of Canadians, to form the Runnymede Society, a law-school-based membership group that specializes in holding provocative and enlightening debates and educational symposia focused on the rule of law.

‘Runnymede’ refers to a water-meadow in England where King John is said to have sealed Magna Carta 1215. This “Great Charter” eventually led to the English Bill of Rights of 1689 and, ultimately, laid the foundations for Canada’s Constitution, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In keeping with this tradition, the Runnymede Society will seek to promote a greater diversity of opinion and more rigorous debate on law school campuses, and foster a better understanding of Canada’s common law heritage and the central importance of the rule of law.

As with ARL, the Runnymede Society is entirely non-partisan. The CCF and ARL have different mandates and our respective members have varying political views. But we are united by a common belief in freedom and rule of law. We are very excited to be working with the CCF on such an important project. The CCF’s press release announcing the formation of the Runnymede Society and its partnership with ARL can be viewed here.

The Runnymede Society will be overseen by Joanna Baron, the newest staff-member at the CCF, who will serve as the Runnymede Society Director. Joanna brings to the position a strong background in public law and advocacy, and a passion for freedom, in all of its expressions and protections.

The Runnymede Society is already planning exciting events to take place over the next 12 weeks on law school campuses and will be launching officially at the start of the new school year in September. If you are interested in getting involved in any capacity, please e-mail Joanna at jbaron@theccf.ca or contact Asher Honickman, president of ARL, at asher.honickman@gmail.com.