Overview

In Our Rights and Freedoms, Aaron W. Hughes recounts the complex and fascinating history of Canada’s Charter, revealing how it has forever changed the political, legal, and social lives of Canadians. Written for a general audience, this biography looks at Canada’s legal foundations prior to the Charter’s enactment in 1982, examines the historical origins and language of the Charter, and traces its reception, interpretation, and influence over the ensuing decades, including its global influence as a model for emerging democracies. The story of the Charter’s inspiration, creation, contestation, and adaptation recounts the narrative of a living text whose course has shaped and defined modern Canada, sometimes in unexpected ways. Informed by deep research and written with narrative flair, this book is the essential guide to understanding the document that defines what it means to be Canadian.

Full Product Details

9781772128260

Table of Contents

Reviews

“An approachable and readable but reliable book about Canada's Charter is overdue and here it is! Aaron Hughes has rescued this vital document from the lawyers and the politicians so that citizens can understand what rights they have and use the Charter to defend their freedoms.“ Michael Ignatieff ""With this deep but accessible 'biography' of the Charter, Hughes has offered Canadians a better understanding of the history, context, and workings of this critical constitutional document and, with it, a better understanding of our contemporary political and legal lives. Our Rights and Freedoms is a caringly written contribution to the civic health of the country."" Benjamin L. Berger, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University

“An approachable and readable but reliable book about Canada's Charter is overdue and here it is! Aaron Hughes has rescued this vital document from the lawyers and the politicians so that citizens can understand what rights they have and use the Charter to defend their freedoms.“ Michael Ignatieff

“An approachable and readable but reliable book about Canada's Charter is overdue and here it is! Aaron Hughes has rescued this vital document from the lawyers and the politicians so that citizens can understand what rights they have and use the Charter to defend their freedoms."" Michael Ignatieff ""With this deep but accessible 'biography' of the Charter, Hughes has offered Canadians a better understanding of the history, context, and workings of this critical constitutional document and, with it, a better understanding of our contemporary political and legal lives. Our Rights and Freedoms is a caringly written contribution to the civic health of the country."" Benjamin L. Berger, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University

Author Information

Aaron W. Hughes is a Canadian scholar of Religion at the University of Rochester where he is the Dean’s Professor of the Humanities, in addition to being the Philip S. Bernstein Professor of Religious Studies. He has written dozens of scholarly books on religion and on Canada. His popular trade titles include 10 Days That Shaped Modern Canada and Our Rights and Freedoms: A Biography of Canada’s Charter.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available