Our Mission
The 800th anniversary of Magna Carta was marked in 2015. King John sealed this document – from which the principle of the rule of law largely emanates – in a meadow called Runnymede by the Thames River, about 30 kilometers west of central London. In 2016, the Canadian Constitution Foundation founded the Runnymede Society as a national organization of law students dedicated to the principles of constitutionalism, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Since then, our membership has grown to include constitutionalist lawyers and scholars across Canada. Our non-partisan Society serves as a vital forum for intellectual diversity in the Canadian legal academic and profession. We invite speakers from across the ideological spectrum to discuss and debate ideas that engage the sacrosanct principles that unite our members.
The Runnymede Society: Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Runnymede Society fulfill its mandate?
Members of the Runnymede Society belong to student and lawyer chapters across Canada. Our chapters receive funding and administrative support to host panels, lectures, debates, and CLE sessions on the most pressing issues being debated the Canadian legal academy and profession. Members and non-members alike are welcome to attend our events.
Who belongs to the Runnymede Society?
The Runnymede Society’s membership is intellectually diverse. Our coalition includes conservatives, classical liberals, libertarians, and others who share our commitment to constitutionalism, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. We regularly invite speakers from outside our membership to our events to discuss and debate timely issues surrounding these principles.
Is the Runnymede Society a think tank?
No. The Runnymede Society does not advocate on behalf of its members for specific legislative policies or endorse legal positions being argued before the courts. Our mandate is to act as a convener for law students, lawyers, and scholars who share our commitments and to serve as a legally ecumenical forum within which these principles can be openly and rigorously discussed with other jurists.
Does the Runnymede Society have any publications?
Yes! The Runnymede Society, together with Advocates for the Rule of Law and LexisNexis, publishes the annual Dicey Law Review, a legal journal featuring scholarly articles on constitutionalism and the rule of law. Those interested in having their work published in the journal (including law students and recently called lawyers) are encouraged to send their work to our National Director.
Does the Runnymede Society have a podcast?
Yes! Our Runnymede Radio podcast regularly airs original content featuring interviews with leading Canadian jurists and legal scholars, as well as encore presentations of events hosted by our student and lawyer chapters.
Who funds the Runnymede Society?
The Runnymede Society funds its activities through the generous support of numerous individuals and foundations. We do not accept any money from government sources. Our supporters receive tax credits for their donations through the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a registered Canadian charity.
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