Guest Lecture: Courts Without Cases

The Public Law Research Group is proud to welcome Carissima Mathen, Law Professor at the University of Ottawa, who will give a distinguished guest lecture titled "Courts Without Cases: The Law and Politics of Advisory Opinions".

Courts usually decide cases: live disputes involving spirited, adversarial debate between opposing parties. Sometimes, though, a court is asked to answer questions in the absence of cases. These proceedings are known as 'references' or advisory opinions. References raise many important questions: about the judicial role, about the relationship between courts and those who seek their 'advice,' and about the nature of law. In her presentation, Professor Mathen will track the use of 'references,' and discuss how advisory opinions draw courts into the complex relationship between law and politics.

This event is free to attend and open to the public. No RSVP is required.