Parliamentary Privilege in Canada, Second Edition

By J.P. Joseph Maingot

The body of law entitled "parliamentary privilege" was developed to permit the full unfettered and effective operation of a democratically elected legislative body charged collectively with acting on behalf of and in the interest of the people of Canada. Intended to assist Members of Parliament and interested parties on the subject of parliamentary privilege, Parliamentary Privilege in Canada outlines the rights and immunities of Members of Parliament and of legislative assemblies, including freedom of speech, breaches of privileges and contempts, debates and proceeding in Parliament as evidence in court, privilege of freedom from arrest, and related privileges.

Joseph Maingot describes the parameters of the principal immunity enjoyed by Members of Parliament, that of freedom of speech, which is restricted to the context of a parliamentary proceeding and not beyond. He points out protections afforded members other than parliamentary privilege and the view of both the courts and the legislatures concerning parliamentary debates and proceedings as evidence in court. He also sets out in detail what the House of Commons considers to be and not to be a matter of privilege, as well as the corporate powers of the Houses of Parliament.

This new edition incorporates changes to the law since the publication of the first edition in 1982, especially the impact of the Canadian Bill of Rights and Freedoms on the privileges, immunities, and rights of each House of Parliament. Parliamentary Privilege in Canada is a valuable asset to professors and students interested in parliamentary law, practice, and procedure in Canada.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0773517189
• ISBN13: 9780773517189
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.4" x 9.3"