Section Thirty-two of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms - Interpretation

Interpretation

The meaning of section 32(1) was first examined in RWDSU v. Dolphin Delivery Ltd. The Courts found that the "authority" of government consisted of all laws created by the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and administrative), as well as any rules, or regulations created by "government actors". Common law only applied when it was the basis of some government action. Later, in R. v. Rahey (1987) the Supreme Court held that the Charter equally applies to courts as well.