Law Society essay contest
This guide provides helpful resources to support the Law Society Essay for Ms. Ellett's Law Studies 12 classes. Full details about the contest are available here. If you have any questions, suggestions to improve this page, or encounter issues with the links, please email [email protected].
This page was last updated 11/23/2025
Topic
"In a famous case in 1958 called Roncarelli v. Duplessis, the Supreme Court of Canada held that the rule of law was a fundamental postulate of the Canadian constitutional structure. What do you think the Court meant by that, and give examples of how the Court’s judgment may still be relevant today."
Source. Law Society of British Columbia (2025)
Source. Law Society of British Columbia (2025)
ESSAY Criteria
- Shows understanding of the Rule of Law, its principles and significance to civil society.
- Is entirely student's original work. AI is not permitted for research, writing or editing.
- Length is between 1000-1500 words.
- Cites at least 3 varied sources (government documents, legislation, published articles etc.) in the body of the essay.
- Source are cited in APA7 format within the text and in a bibliography. Citations are not counted in the word count.
- Includes a cover page that contains: Full name, name of school and grade, student number, email address, and phone number.
Research sources
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An Overview of the Court Case
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Explanation of the Rule of Law
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The Rule of Law and Why it Matters: BC Provincial Court web page. Explains what the Rule of Law means, how it was not followed in Roncarelli v. Duplessis, and why it is important to maintain.
Rule of Law: Canadian Bar Association website. Explains why the Rule of Law is important.
Canadian Bill of Rights: Government of Canada Website. Link to the legal text of the Bill of Rights, which was enacted in 1960. It recognizes the importance of the Rule of Law in free societies, and individual rights and freedoms.
Constitution Act, 1982: Government of Canada website. Link the section of the constitution that contains the legal text of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which was enacted in 1982. It states that “Canada is founded on principles that...recognizes the Rule of Law” and outlines the fundamental freedoms and rights of citizens.
Roncarelli v. Duplessis, [1959] SCR 121: Canadian Legal Information Institute website. Excellent summary of the case and an analysis of the decision.
Rule of Law Student Handout: Ontario Justice Education Network student handout. Very detailed information about the Rule of Law, including why it is important, mechanisms to uphold it, and a summary of the Roncarelli v. Duplessis court case.
Supreme Court of Canada, Year in Review (Judgements): A review of landmark decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2024.
Rule of Law: Canadian Bar Association website. Explains why the Rule of Law is important.
Canadian Bill of Rights: Government of Canada Website. Link to the legal text of the Bill of Rights, which was enacted in 1960. It recognizes the importance of the Rule of Law in free societies, and individual rights and freedoms.
Constitution Act, 1982: Government of Canada website. Link the section of the constitution that contains the legal text of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which was enacted in 1982. It states that “Canada is founded on principles that...recognizes the Rule of Law” and outlines the fundamental freedoms and rights of citizens.
Roncarelli v. Duplessis, [1959] SCR 121: Canadian Legal Information Institute website. Excellent summary of the case and an analysis of the decision.
Rule of Law Student Handout: Ontario Justice Education Network student handout. Very detailed information about the Rule of Law, including why it is important, mechanisms to uphold it, and a summary of the Roncarelli v. Duplessis court case.
Supreme Court of Canada, Year in Review (Judgements): A review of landmark decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2024.
other resources
Citation Guides: access citation style guides on Elgin Park Learning Commons website.
Ms. Ellett’s Guide to In-Text Citations: Learn how to, “quote like a boss,” through clear examples and strategies like I-C-E.
Essay Template: Follow this template to ensure you meet the formatting requirements for this assignment. SD36 log-in is required.
Ms. Ellett’s Guide to In-Text Citations: Learn how to, “quote like a boss,” through clear examples and strategies like I-C-E.
Essay Template: Follow this template to ensure you meet the formatting requirements for this assignment. SD36 log-in is required.
