Understanding Canadian Law Series

Real cases from the Supreme Court dealing with youth issues. Laws, as they relate to youth and youth issues, can be difficult to understand for those they are intended to serve. In the first book of the Understanding Canadian Law series, author Daniel J. Baum breaks down the Supreme Court of Canada’s decisions relating to youth in plain language intended for readers of all ages. Drawing on examples from recent Supreme Court rulings, Youth and the Law walks the reader through such controversial subjects as spanking, bullying, youth violence, and police in the schools. Each chapter contains prompts to encourage critical thinking. Youth and the Law is an objective introduction for all readers to better understand how law impacts the young.

This book explains our right to freedom of expression, its limits, and how Canadian courts draw the line. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is part of the Constitution of Canada and, as such, the highest law of the land. But it has limits. Peacefully picketing an abortion clinic, so long as patients can come and go, is a protected right, but shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theatre to cause a stampede is a criminal offence. Tied in with issues of free speech are questions such as whether justice delayed is justice denied. If it takes years to bring a matter to court — and especially to the Supreme Court of Canada — how can it be said that there has been a fair consideration of the issues to be decided? As well, must all important constitutional questions, such as freedom of expression, be decided by the courts? Or, is there another way to resolve such issues? How courts reach decisions in such cases is discussed in Freedom of Expression, an objective introduction for all readers to better understand how law and professional ethics impact those of us who would speak publicly as to issues of concern.

When police are called in to investigate a crime, what powers and limitations apply to them? What are their rights to question strangers, search without warrants, or detain individuals who might become suspects? Crime Scene Investigations breaks down the Supreme Court's decisions on questions like these into clear and practical terms.        Police need to be vigilant, since the line between a lawful search and an improper one can be dangerously thin, and officers can be held accountable for any wrongdoing, intentional or not. The controversy surrounding such techniques as "stop-and-frisk" sweeps and compulsory DNA testing underscores the importance of understanding the legal dimensions of police powers. Because interactions between law enforcement officers and civilians are often charged with complexities, Crime Scene Investigations provides a level-headed guide, indispensable for those on either side of an investigation.

A understandable overview of the laws regarding euthanasia, end-of-life treatment, and medication of those who may be unable to decide for themselves if the treatment is necessary. Our bodies are ours to control, free from state interference — or so it appears. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.” But, how absolute is this? Do parents have the final decision in determining the medical care of their children, even if that choice may mean death? May children override the choices of their parents as to medical care? What role, if any, does the state (or the courts) have in reviewing individual medical choices, even if those choices are made by an adult but could result in death? Can physicians insist that their patients must have certain medical treatments? Do the terminally ill have the right to ask for assistance in dying? These are among the questions upon which Canadian judges must rule. When and how they reach decisions are explored in Life or Death: A Matter of Choice?

In this special four-book bundle, legal expert Daniel J. Baum explains Canadian law in a clear and understandable way. Includes: Youth and the Law Laws, as they relate to youth and youth issues, can be difficult to understand for those they are intended to serve. Baum breaks down the Supreme Court of Canada’s decisions relating to youth in plain language intended for readers of all ages. Freedom of Expression Freedom of Expression details the protections, limits, and interpretation of freedom of expression in Canada. Crime Scene Investigations A clear guide to the powers and limitations of law enforcement officials. From the right to a lawyer’s advice, to privacy law in search and seizures, to stop-and-frisk-style “carding” operations, this book covers the key topics in depth. Life or Death (New!) Our bodies are ours to control, free from state interference — or so it would seem from the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. But how is this principle really applied?