Constitutional Law and Theory

Constitutional Law sets out the rules, powers and structure of government, allocating power between the legislative, executive and judicial branches, as well as the basic rights of citizens.

Our distinguished constitutional scholars have shaped our understanding of the constitution’s history, culture, and interpretation through both their scholarly writings and their legal interventions in some of the most significant constitutional cases. 

Courses

We have a range of opportunities to study and learn constitutional law, beginning with the first-year course which focuses on federalism, Aboriginal Rights, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In upper years, there is a broad array of elective courses that allow for more intensive study on issues such as Aboriginal rights, equality, and constitutional litigation. You may also study comparative constitutional law and U.S. constitutional law.

Jackman Law Building

Beyond the classroom

The David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights and its Constitutional Advocacy Clinic provide a forum for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to examine a wide array of constitutional questions.

As a student here, you'll have the opportunity to develop practical experience in Charter litigation through exposure to case theory formulation, constitutional legal research, appellate brief and factum writing, attendance at oral arguments and more.

Faculty

  • Role: Professor Emeritus
    Areas of Interest:
    Constitutional Law & Theory
  • Jean Christoph
    Role: Assistant Professor
    Areas of Interest:
    Constitutional Law & Theory
  • Role: Professor
    Areas of Interest:
    Comparative Law
    Constitutional Law & Theory
    Legal Theory
  • Ian Lee
    Role: Associate Professor
    Areas of Interest:
    Business Law
    Comparative Law
    Constitutional Law & Theory
  • Patrick Macklem
    Role: Professor Emeritus
    Areas of Interest:
    Indigenous Peoples & the Law
    Constitutional Law & Theory
    Comparative Law
    International Law & Policy
    Legal Theory
  • Carol Rogerson
    Role: Professor Emerita
    Areas of Interest:
    Constitutional Law & Theory
    Family & Children's Law
  • David Schneiderman
    Role: Professor
    Areas of Interest:
    Constitutional Law & Theory
    Human Rights Law
    International Law & Policy
    Legal Theory
  • Nathalie A. Smuha
    Role: Assistant Professor
    Areas of Interest:
    Constitutional Law & Theory
    Innovation Law & Technology
    International Law & Policy
    Legal Theory
    Philosophical Approaches to Law
  • Richard Stacey
    Role: Associate Dean, JD program; Associate Professor
    Areas of Interest:
    Administrative Law
    Constitutional Law & Theory
    Legal Theory
  • Anna Su
    Role: Associate Professor
    Areas of Interest:
    Comparative Law
    Constitutional Law & Theory
    Human Rights Law
    International Law & Policy
    Law & Religion
    Legal History
  • Malcolm Thorburn
    Role: Professor and Chair in Law and Innovation
    Areas of Interest:
    Comparative Law
    Constitutional Law & Theory
    Criminal Justice
    Legal Theory
    Philosophical Approaches to Law
  • Lorraine Weinrib
    Role: Professor Emerita
    Areas of Interest:
    Constitutional Law & Theory
    Comparative Law
    Law & Religion

Books

Publications