by Sebastian Fernandez (Université de Montréal) ABSTRACT Following the Paris attacks that took place on 13 November 2015, the Belgian authorities had to face many critics, especially because of the discovery of a terrorist network located in the Belgian municipality of Molenbeek under investigation following the tragic events. Just over four months later, on 22 March […] Read more

by Daphné Godin-Garito (Université de Montréal) ABSTRACT In 2015, the Magna Carta celebrated it’s 800th birthday. This prominent legal tool was the first milestone in the recognition of rights and fundamental freedoms. It’s influence was felt all around the globe in the greatest legal documents of all times. It is the bedrock of the desired balance between […] Read more

This content is not available in the selected language. par Mike Siméon (Université de Montréal)   La branche judiciaire d’un État démocratique possède un rôle central : protéger la Constitution. Cette fonction se démontre notamment à travers l’application de différents mécanismes de « check and balance » qui permettent de préserver l’équilibre entre les trois branches de l’État et […] Read more

by Olivier Dulude (Université de Montréal) ABSTRACT This post adresses three issues that, in my view, are particularily concerning in regard to national security measures in the United Kingdom. The equation made between investigative journalists working on secret services’ misbehaviours and terrorists is firstly studied through the Miranda case. Secondly, the court’s decision in Liberty v. GCHQ […] Read more

This content is not available in the selected language. par Morgane Laloum (Université de Montréal)   Le gouvernement britannique a créé et employé plusieurs pouvoirs de l’exécutif comme alternative aux poursuites judiciaires. Ces pouvoirs sont justifiés par l’état d’urgence, la sécurité des citoyens et la sécurité nationale. Ils sont apparus en réaction aux attentats du 11 […] Read more

by Paul Lalonde (University of Ottawa)   ABSTRACT Part 5 of Canada’s new Anti-terrorism Act, 2015 has introduced significant changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. More specifically, these changes have affected the access of special advocates to government information about the person who is subject to a security hearing. The restrictive nature of these new […] Read more

by Tara Vasdani (University of Ottawa)   ABSTRACT The subtle yet significant difference between review vs. monitoring is too often overlooked, and necessitates thorough analysis and attention. This paper will speak to the necessity of implementing an effective oversight body, to monitor and to hold accountable various security agencies granted expansive kinetic powers under the […] Read more

by David Hebb (University of Ottawa)   Abstract Bill C 51 was given royal assent on June 18th, 2015 despite significant criticisms towards the scope and constitutionality of the changes it brought to CSIS’ mandate. This paper explores the statutory and comparative context of CSIS threat reduction with consideration towards the history of Canadian security intelligence and […] Read more

As announced at the launch of the Observatory on national security measures – held in the Quebec Court of Appeal building on 5th November of last year – the next phase in our work shall revolve around the BLOG, which is activated as of today (20th January 2016). It will allow us, among other things, […] Read more