2. 1 LAW & THE JUDICIARY CHAPTER 9 n Canada’s Judiciary n The Supreme Court of Canada

3. 2 JUDICIARY Chapter 9 SUPREME COURT OF CANADA

4. 3 n Federalism determines the structure of the Canadian judiciary. n Supreme Court is the country’s highest appeal court in all areas of law. n Supreme Court judges are appointed by the federal government. n In 1949, began to sit in Ottawa (previously in London, England).

5. 4 SUPREME COURT n Consists of : n 3 judges from Quebec n 3 judges from Ontario n 2 judges from West n 1 judge from Atlantic

6. 5 n They are all appointed until age 75. (Average age is 65.) n Must have at least 10 years’ experience in law practice. n Are removable by governor-in-council on advice of the Cabinet, accompanied by a joint address to the Senate and the H of C. n Chief Justice presides over and directs the work of the Court as its principal administrator. (Salary: $220,500; others: $204,000) (Maclean’s, Feb. 16, 1998)

7. 6 n One judge—one vote. n All unavoidably bring their own personal values and political philosophies to the bench. n Hears about 100 cases per year, several hundred are filed each year. n Since the CRF (1982) SC has decided hundreds of cases involving the Charter.

8. 7 n S.C. now takes a more active, interventionist role for the judiciary; this is causing a gradual evolution in the power of the S.C.: they are making new laws with their judgements. n The CRF greatly increased the political importance of the S.C. The CRF provides judges more opportunity to interpret the law in accordance with entrenched individual rights. Page 203

9. 8 SUPREME COURT JUDGES n Can now vote in elections n Must live in Ottawa n Cannot engage in any business, or hold any other paid position with the federal or any provincial gov’t

10. 9 THE END n READ CHAPTER 9