We’re a non-partisan Canadian think tank that seeks to ensure Canada remains a society in which government officials are subordinate to the law, the people are governed by fixed rules known in advance, and the courts apply the law equally, impartially and predictably.
Our members come from diverse backgrounds and have divergent political views. What unites us is a shared belief in the rule of law, and these seven propositions, which flow from that basic concept.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land and can only be amended pursuant to its own amending formula. All government power is derived from and limited by the Constitution.
All state action must be authorized by law.
Statutes should establish rights, obligations and prohibitions in clear and precise language.
Laws that are not enforced or enforceable undermine faith in the rule of law.
The courts should apply judicial precedents except where the precedent is clearly wrong and/or has proven unworkable in practice.
Statutes should be interpreted by looking to the ordinary meaning of the text in its full context.
The role of the judiciary in public law is to assess the legality of state action, not its wisdom.
We welcome inquiries at info@ruleoflaw.ca or reaching any of our members.
Our sister organization, promoting constitutionalism, the rule of law, and liberty, in law schools and in the legal profession.
