Episodes

On Episode 16 of Not Reserving Judgment, we tell you about a Waterloo school board official who lost his bid to block teacher Carolyn Burjoski's defamation claim after he called her transphobic; we get into the discussion over Alberta's Sovereignty Act motion; and we tell you about an Ontario Court of Appeal decision that found requiring math tests for teachers is not racist. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Court victory for teacher silenced for transgender-book criticism (...

On Episode 15 of Not Reserving Judgment, we talk about the Manning Report's recommendations to amend Alberta's laws to better protect rights in future emergencies; we applaud the Supreme Court for refusing to hear the appeal of four men stuck in Syria; and we explain why it was illegal for the federal government to ban single-use plastics like straws and bags on the basis of their "toxicity." Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel ...

On Episode 14 of Not Reserving Judgment, we talk about why we haven't seen more hate speech charges following the explosion of vitriol at the past month's anti-Israel rallies; we discuss whether caste-based discrimination should be banned; we tell you about the curious case of a woman who says she was fired for calling her underlings "my humans"; we talk about Ontario MPP Sarah Jama's latest outrageous statement; and we share some breaking news about a case we're working on. Stories and cases d...

On Episode 13 of Not Reserving Judgment, we discuss a new Supreme Court decision that found some mandatory minimum sentences for child luring are cruel and unusual punishment; we tell you what we know about Justin Trudeau's latest Supreme Court pick, Justice Mary Moreau; and we talk about a series of human rights complaints that allege CUPE has discriminated against its Jewish members. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: 'Alienated, isolated and alone': Jewish union members lau...

On Episode 12 of Not Reserving Judgment, we walk you through a new federal court decision that upheld the Trudeau government’s so-called "military-style assault weapons ban"; we tell you about a new study that found vaccine passports did little to increase uptake of vaccines; and we discuss whether government officials violate free speech when they block constituents on social media. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Justices weigh rules for when public officials can block cr...

On Episode 11 of Not Reserving Judgment, we talk about whether universities like TMU and York are infringing free speech by punishing students for their horrible opinions on Israel; we tell why a Saskatchewan cardiology clinic has left the public medicare system; and we discuss the Soviet-style ticketing of two men for having a private conversation on a Calgary train. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Two Calgary men charged for conversation on transit en route to 1 Million M...

On Episode 10 of Not Reserving Judgment, we discuss how the Impact Assessment Act decision is a big win for Alberta; we explain why the Ontario legislature can censure MPP Sarah Jama despite her freedom of expression; and we update you on the travel ban challenge led by former Newfoundland Premier Brian Peckford and PPC Leader Maxime Bernier. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Reference re Impact Assessment Act (Supreme Court of Canada) Sarah Jama's statement on Israel (X.com...

On Episode 9 of Not Reserving Judgment, we update you on the latest in the Ontario Greenbelt scandal including what it might mean for Premier Doug Ford; we explain why even repugnant protests like the pro-Hamas rally in Toronto are constitutionally protected; and we discuss whether it's really a human rights violation for your hairstylist to drop you due to your political views. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Ontario Greenbelt: Canada police probe Doug Ford land deal (BBC)...

On Episode 8 of Not Reserving Judgment, we explain how C-11, the new online streaming law, impacts free expression by regulating podcasts, YouTube videos (and, yes, pornography); we walk you through a disappointing decision that overturned a judge who wanted to hear evidence of the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines before mandating them against a parent's wishes; and we share our thoughts on Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to use the notwithstanding clause. Stories and cases di...

On Episode 7 of Not Reserving Judgment, we discuss Waterloo Region's plan to ticket people for saying mean words, we walk you through what happened at last week's Million March for Children protests and counter-protests, and we update you on the latest in the college of physicians' disciplinary proceedings against lockdown and vaccine critic Dr. Kulvinder Kaur. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: CPSO drops disciplinary proceedings against Ontario physician for opposing harmful...

On Episode 6 of Not Reserving Judgment, we discuss whether it was right to criminally charge parents who participated in a 'mini convoy' protest in Newfoundland, talk about whether the Conservative Party's policy resolutions make sense, and rip on the Governor General for not understanding her job. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: 2 charged with harassment and causing a disturbance after protest at N.L. premier's home (CBC) Conservatives to debate several ‘anti-woke’ policy...

On Episode 5 of Not Reserving Judgment, we discuss the criminal case against Freedom Convoy participants Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, explain why Wasaga Beach's new "car rally" bylaw goes too far, and talk about Denmark's worrying response to Quran burnings, which are protected speech. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: Denmark plans jail term for burning Quran in public (BBC) Burning the Quran is offensive. Banning it rewards violent threats. (Washington Post) Boucher v. t...

On Episode 4 of Not Reserving Judgment, we discuss the legality of forcing repeat violent offenders into treatment, explain why a proposal to criminalize residential school "denialism" is a grave threat to free expression, and talk about whether it's OK for wannabe judges to attend partisan fundraisers. Stories discussed in this week's episode: Man guilty of TTC assaults a ‘danger to the public’ without antipsychotic treatment, judge finds (Toronto Star) High-level judges may have paid to mee...

On Episode 3 of Not Reserving Judgment, we discuss whether a hidden camera can turn consensual sex into sexual assault, ask whether wildfire travel bans went too far, and get into the debate over whether provinces can require parental consent before schools socially transition children. Not Reserving Judgment is a podcast about Canadian constitutional law hosted by Josh Dehaas, Joanna Baron, and Christine Van Geyn. The show is brought to you by the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-parti...

On Episode 2 of Not Reserving Judgment, we discuss whether the Greenbelt scandal is a scandal, explain judicial reforms that could turn Israel into a Canada-style backwater, and ask if it would be kosher to ban a political party before it bans you. Not Reserving Judgment is a podcast hosted by Josh Dehaas, Joanna Baron, and Christine Van Geyn brought to you by the Canadian Constitution Foundation.

On Episode 1 of Not Reserving Judgment, we discuss new numbers from Quebec that show more doctors are going private, ask whether affirmative action has gone too far, and consider whether Canadians will ever get compensated for COVID-19 lockdowns.