Washington University Journal of Law & Policy

Article Title

Unconscious Parallelism: Constitutional Law in Canada and the United States

Authors

John C. Major, Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

Publication Title

Washington University Journal of Law & Policy

Abstract

As neighbors, Canada and the United States share not only the border but essentially common values and beliefs. As well, the Supreme Court in each country is viewed as the ultimate protector of rights. This paper will outline some of our constitutional differences and use freedom of expression as an example of how we seem to arrive at an arguably satisfactory result by different means. There is a difference of opinion on the application of freedom of expression, yet each country considers it a basic and fundamental right. In part, the variance in approach is directly related to our citizen’s perception of governments. To what extent is the government friend or foe?

Recommended Citation

John C. Major, Unconscious Parallelism: Constitutional Law in Canada and the United States, 19 Wash. U. J. L. & Pol’y 139 (2005),
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/law_journal_law_policy/vol19/iss1/10