Aboriginal Law Practicum

This course is an exercise in legal archaeology. Students will study in depth, from beginning to end, a current or recent case about Aboriginal law that the Supreme Court of Canada has decided, heard or given leave to appeal. The class will discuss, in sequence, any relevant statutory or constitutional provisions, the originating documents in the case, the factums filed at first instance, the first level decision, the factums filed at the Court of Appeal, the Court of Appeal decision, the factums the parties and interveners have filed with the Supreme Court, and, if it’s available by then, the video of the oral hearing before the S.C.C. Only then will we read and discuss the Supreme Court decision in the case (if it’s been released). There may be an opportunity for students also to meet and discuss the case with counsel involved in arguing it.