Foreword

• Author: Patrick J. Monahan/Byron Shaw/Padraic Ryan
• Pages: 17-17

xvii

FOR EWORD

TO THE FIRST EDITION

Within any society committed to the principle of the rule of law, an

understanding of the countr y’s basic constitutional fra mework is im-

portant. But such an understand ing is particul arly necessary i n Can-

ada, given our continuing debate over the future of the countr y and its

constitution. It is for that reason that I am very pleased that Patr ick

Monahan has w ritten this lucid and read able text describing Canada’s

constitution. Professor Monahan’s book will be p articularly usef ul for

law students, since it sets out in a very clear and logical fashion the his -

tory and evolution of our constitution. But I fully expect that this book

will also b e of value to lawyers and to const itutional specialists, since it

includes a detailed and caref ul consideration of many of the contested

legal issues that are now or will soon be before the courts. Not only

does Professor Monahan provide a fa ir and balanced account of the

current state of the law but he attempts to clar ify areas where t he law

may be ambiguous. He also offers h is views as to the direction in which

the constitution can be ex pected to evolve in the future.

Professor Monahan has already established himself as one of the

country’s leading constitutional scholars. This book will conf‌irm that

reputation, and I am conf‌ident that it will prove to be es sential read-

ing for students, lawyers, and lay persons with an interest in Canada’s

constitutional affairs. I am pleased to commend it.

The Right Honourable Brian Dickson

Chief Justice of Canada (retired)