Explore the crucial area of Canadian constitutional law in this course, "Principles of Fundamental Justice." We delve into Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects life, liberty, and security of the person, and the fundamental principles that limit state action when these interests are engaged.

This course traces the historical development of these principles, from early interpretations focusing on procedural fairness under the Bill of Rights to the Supreme Court of Canada's landmark shift to include substantive legal norms, notably in *Re BC Motor Vehicle Act*. You will learn the court's evolving methodology for identifying a principle of fundamental justice, including the modern three-part test, and examine how these principles are rooted in values such as human dignity and the rule of law.

Key topics covered include:

• Defining and identifying principles of fundamental justice.
• The interplay between procedural and substantive principles.
• Analyzing the sources and methods used by the courts.
• Understanding the role of balancing individual and societal interests, particularly in discretionary decisions like deportation and extradition.
• Examining specific principles that have been recognized or rejected by the Supreme Court.

By the end of this course, you will have a deep understanding of what the principles of fundamental justice are, how they are determined and applied by the courts, and their profound significance in safeguarding fundamental rights and shaping the relationship between the individual and the state in Canada.