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ONLINE ZOOM MEETINGS We are going to explore the historical and social background of some of the intriguing, interesting and important legal cases which have had lasting impact on our society and affect our lives today. Each month we will have a presentation about some of these famous and fascinating cases, plus the opportunity to discuss legal current affairs. Legal issues and law cases will be based on current events and participants' interests.
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| When: | 4th Monday of the month |
| Time: | 1:00 - 3:00 PM |
| Dates: |
2025: Sept 22, Oct 27, Nov 24, no meeting in Dec. |
| Where: | Online Zoom meetings. Zoom link will be sent out to registrants via email. |
| Max: |
100 |
| Facilitator: | Jim Conway, lawyer |
What Effect Do Referendums Have In Law? Premier Danielle Smith’s government is putting nine questions to a province wide referendum on October 19, including proposals to restrict social services for some immigrants. Other questions delve into the Constitution, for example asking whether Alberta should open negotiations with the rest of Canada to abolish the Senate and to give provinces the power to appoint superior court judges. We also have a possible citizen initiative referenda regarding Alberta separation. Are referendums legally binding or as Margaret Thatcher once said in 1975, with reference to a proposed referendum on Britain’s membership in the European Union, that referendums sacrificed parliamentary sovereignty to political expediency. “Perhaps the late Lord Attlee was right,” she went on to observe, “when he said that the referendum was a device of dictators and demagogues.” Many scholars suggest referendums are inherently problematic because they are so vulnerable to populism, captive interests, and the ochlocracy (i.e. government by the mob) that Aristotle warned was the greatest threat to democracy. James Madison, having studied Aristotle, described direct democracy as the “tyranny of the majority”. What is the legal effect of a successful citizen led referendum petition? If a referendum is held, whether government initiated or based on a citizen initiative petition, what is the legal effect of the voting result? |
This program is facilitated and presented by Jim Conway, CALL member & retired lawyer. To join the group, or to attend a session you are interested in, please register with the facilitator. Drop–ins are also welcome. |
For registration information or to join the waitlist, visit: Registration
It is not necessary for you to register for this meeting or future meetings if you are on the emailing list for NSCL. Everyone who is on the email list receives an email notice of each meeting with the Zoom link.
Past Presentations |