Roncarelli v. Duplessis Case Flashcards
What are two common law principles evident in this case?
Validity + Redress
What does validity mean?
That government action must be justified by law
What does redress mean?
Those who are injured by government action can seek remedies.
Who was Frank Roncarelli?
A Jehovah’s Witness who owned a café in Montréal.
What did Roncarelli do against the wishes of Premier Maurice Duplessis of Québec?
Regularly posted bail for other Jehovah’s Witnesses arrested for breaching municipal laws prohibiting them from distributing their literature?
After that, what did Duplessis do?
Ordered the cancellation of Roncarelli’s liquor license.
What did the Supreme Court of Canada do?
-Awarded damages to Roncarelli
How were the common law principles in this case used for?
Were interpreted and applied by the courts to remedy a situation in which a violation of civil liberties was evident.
When did the Supreme Court of Canada do that?
-After it was determined that the premier was not acting within the scope of his legal authority when he made the decision to cancel Roncarelli’s liquor license
