Foreword

• Author: Steve Coughlan
• Profession: Professor of Law. Dalhousie University
• Pages: 15-16

xv

FOR E WOR D

When writing the foreword to the second edition of this book, I conf‌i-

dently predicted that there would be a third. And here it is already — small

wonder. The jurisprudence has developed in important and varied re-

spects even in the short time since the second edition appeared in 2012.

While no further evidence of Professor Coughlan’s talent or industry is

needed, this third edition demonstrates that neither is on the wane. In

keeping the book so current, Professor Coughlan has ensured that it will

continue to serve the profession well, both as a mature overview of the

underlying principles and as an up-to-date resource of the leading juris-

prudence and scholarly commentary.

That a sophisticated overview is much needed cannot be in doubt.

In criminal procedure, as Professor Coughlan astutely observes, import-

ant questions of legal principle and societal values underlie almost every

question. The complex technicality of the subject must be mastered, but

not to the neglect of the underlying fundamental principles and deeply

held values that are in play. Each edition of this book has succeeded in

striking this balance: the rules are there, but they are always placed in

the broader context of the underlying principles and values.

As have previous editions, this latest one offers a quickly accessible

and sure-footed guide over tricky terrain. But that is not all. For those

with more experience, it provides a concise yet sophisticated review

of the underlying principles of the law — quick access to the “big pic-

ture” — which can be so helpful in coming to terms with new problems