2025 Stanfield Conversation: Challenges to the rule of law and the future of liberal democracy
Courts and the Dynamics of Democratic Decline
Even in some of the world’s sturdiest democracies, leaders are deliberately undermining courts to weaken, or even dismantle, checks on their power.
In many cases, the justice system is not only being sidelined but “weaponized” against political opponents through political appointments, the strong-arming of judges and law firms, and lawsuits and prosecutions designed to intimidate critics.
These tactics threaten the rule of law – a necessary component of democracy. How much damage has already been done? Where and how can courts reassert themselves in ways that bolster threatened democracies? And what, if anything, can judges, lawyers, and ordinary citizens do to shore up the legal foundations of democracy?
This year's Stanfield Conversation will be moderated by journalist, producer of CBC's IDEAS, and Dal alumna Mary Lynk (BA '84) and will include two featured speakers:
- Wayne MacKay, Professor Emeritus of Law, Schulich School of Law
- Asha Rangappa, Senior Lecturer, Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University, and former FBI Special Agent
Categories
Speaker Series, Alumni, Faculty Interest, Student Interest
Time
Starts:
Ends:
Location
Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, 6060 University Ave
This event will also be live-streamed.
Cost
This event is free and open to the public.
Guests must RSVP to attend in person or to participate virtually via livestream.
Additional Information
Seating is limited.
Official Media Sponsor: CBC Nova Scotia
