This month's faculty spotlight is on Professor Terry Hancock, instructor for the Law 205/705 Public and Constitutional Law course.
Professor Hancock is Counsel, Judicial Education with the National Judicial Institute in Ottawa. She received her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Law degree from Queen's University and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Toronto before embarking on a civil litigation and public law career in Toronto. Professor Hancock has written on a wide number of topics, including the regulation of telecommunications, LGBTQI2S+ equality, judicial review, and class proceedings. She is currently working on a book on public law litigation. Professor Hancock also teaches for the National Judicial Institute, the organization responsible for the education of judges in Canada.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Queen’s? Queen's students bring a wealth of knowledge and experiences from around the globe to the classroom. I learn as much from them as I hope they learn from me!
What can students expect to learn from your course? My goal is their success. Students leave this course understanding the legal foundations of Canadian democracy and the role of the monarchy, executive council and the judiciary. Students explore many key topics like the Charter, Aboriginal Rights and the rule of law in a constitutional democracy
Why is it important to learn about Public and Constitutional Law? Public and Constitutional Law are not the "holy grail" for lawyers but an important lesson in the relationship between state power and the individual. They are the product of historical political compromises held in check by an independent judiciary. It's important for everyone to understand the limits of political power in Canadian law because it impacts on our daily lives in ways this course highlights.
What advice can you give students taking your course? This course is an excellent introduction to Public and Constitutional law. Students will find it an intellectually challenging exploration of topics that are often current events and subject to interesting debate!
Interested in taking this course? Learn more about Public and Constitutional Law by visiting the course page, and learn more about the application process and requirements by visiting the apply page.