Un forum juridique pour la diversité intellectuelle

La Runnymede Society est un organisme composé de membres qui invite des orateurs de tous les horizons idéologiques à débattre d'idées juridiques liées à l'État de droit, au constitutionnalisme et à la liberté individuelle. L'objectif est de mettre l'accent sur ces principes bien établis dans le contexte de questions pratiques et d’actualité qui ne sont pas souvent explorées dans le contexte des salles de classe des facultés de droit.

Understanding an Ambiguous Clause: Section 35 and the Drafting of the Constitution

In this episode of Runnymede Radio, we feature an original interview with Michael Scott (PrimaryDocuments.ca). Scott discusses his ongoing research on the drafting history of Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982—which recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and treaty rights—drawing on archival materials and his work with PrimaryDocuments.ca, a database of historical documents relating to the creation of Canada’s Constitution. The conversation explores the historical context of Section 35, the interpretive challenges posed by its ambiguity, and what the drafting

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Measuring Jurisprudence with AI: Rules, Standards, and the Supreme Court of Canada

In this episode of Runnymede Radio, we feature an original interview with Professor Norman Siebrasse (University of New Brunswick). Professor Siebrasse discusses his recent study using artificial intelligence to examine long-term trends in Supreme Court of Canada decisions. By analyzing thousands of judgments from 1974 to 2025, the study places cases on a rules–standards spectrum and identifies a marked shift toward more standard-like reasoning beginning in the early Charter era. The conversation also explores the idea of “Charter contagion,” the

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Notwithstanding Judicial Review

In this episode of Runnymede Radio, we share a live recording from a student chapter event hosted by the Runnymede Society’s University of Calgary Chapter, featuring Professor Geoff Sigalet (UBCO). Professor Sigalet’s lecture makes the political and legal case against substantive judicial review of laws enacted under section 33 of the Charter. Drawing on recent constitutional litigation, academic debate, and institutional and political analysis, he explains why provinces have been more willing to invoke the notwithstanding clause since 2018, critiques

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Can the Centre Hold? A Lecture by Justice Malcolm Rowe

In this episode of Runnymede Radio, we share a live recording from a student chapter event hosted by the Runnymede Society’s Osgoode Hall Chapter, featuring Malcolm Rowe of the Supreme Court of Canada. Justice Rowe’s lecture, titled “Can the Centre Hold?”, draws on W.B. Yeats’ The Second Coming to reflect on the pressures of an increasingly polarized society and the importance of moderation in public life. Blending political and legal philosophy, the lecture explores how these traditions intersect to shape

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Runnymede 10 Retrospective: Taking Our Place

In this special retrospective episode of Runnymede Radio, former Runnymede Society National Directors Mark Mancini and Kris Kinsinger reflect on a consequential period in the organization’s history, recorded as part of Runnymede’s tenth anniversary. The conversation explores the resistance Runnymede faced as it grew beyond its early days, the disruption and challenges of the COVID years, and how the organization adapted under pressure while remaining grounded in its core commitments. Mark and Kris discuss what it meant to stand firm

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Watch “Runnymede 10 – A Decade of Dialogue in Pursuit of Principle” Video

Ten years ago, a handful of students and scholars set out with the conviction that the nation’s deepest principles deserve open, honest conversation. From that conviction, the Runnymede Society was born. As part of Runnymede 10, we are pleased to share our tenth-anniversary video. Take a brief look back at the ideas, conversations, and moments that shaped our first decade. Watch the anniversary video here.

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Mercredi
01
avril 1, 2026 | 1:00 pm

The Decline of International Law

McGill University (NCDH 312 & 316) |

Please join the Runnymede Society’s McGill University Chapter for a rescheduled lecture with Justice Malcolm Rowe of the Supreme Court of Canada, now taking place [...]

Mardi
17
mars 17, 2026 | 12:30 pm

Will Reconciliation Require the Transfer of Private Land? A Discussion of Recent Jurisprudence and Reconciliation Efforts

Western University Faculty of Law (Moot Court Room) |

Please join the Runnymede Society’s Western University Chapter for a panel discussion on the implications of the Cowichan Tribes decision for Aboriginal title with Professor [...]

Mardi
17
mars 17, 2026 | 11:45 am

Freedom of Expression with Nadine Strossen

University of Ottawa (FTX 302) |

Please join the Runnymede Society’s University of Ottawa Chapter, in partnership with the Institute for Liberal Studies (ILS), for an interview and discussion with Nadine [...]

Lundi
16
mars 16, 2026 | 1:00 pm

Positivism & Natural Law: Competing Foundations of Legal Order

McGill University (Waxman Common Room) |

Please join the Runnymede Society’s McGill University Chapter for a panel discussion with Professor Maxime St-Hilaire (Université de Sherbrooke) and Professor Victor Muñiz-Fraticelli (McGill University), [...]

Lundi
16
mars 16, 2026 | 11:30 am

From the Classroom to the Cabinet: Practicing Law Before and After the Charter

University of Saskatchewan College of Law (Room 30) |

Please join the Runnymede Society’s University of Saskatchewan Chapter for a fireside chat with The Honourable Don Morgan and The Honourable Eric Cline, on Monday, [...]

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Enrichissement intellectuel

Nous offrons un soutien financier afin d’organiser débats, colloques et tables rondes avec conférenciers externes et rafraîchissements. Nous sommes en mesure d'aider à contacter les conférenciers et de couvrir leurs frais de déplacement.

Vie sociale

Nous organisons régulièrement des événements de réseautage avec des membres locaux de la profession juridique, des universitaires, des journalistes et d'autres étudiants.

Mentorat académique

Nous visons à mettre en contact les étudiants de première année avec ceux des années supérieures qui peuvent leur fournir un mentorat et des conseils académiques, ainsi que des syllabus de cours.

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