2023 Francis Forbes Annual Law Lecture

This lecture series addresses legal issues of public concern and to unite Memorial University and the provincial legal community in a venture seeking to examine the public interest.

Title: The Importance of Historical Perspective
Lecturer: Malcolm Rowe, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada

The study of history provides understanding of the past. Historical perspective utilizes this to inform our understanding of contemporary society. As history is considered from ever-changing perspectives, the resulting re-evaluations enrich this understanding. This is contrasted with historical negation that distorts history in the service of current aims. It is also contrasted with historical denunciation that seeks to de-legitimize actions taken and ideas expressed in the past.

Historical perspective is valuable to understanding governance in a liberal democratic society and the role of courts within that system. This is examined by reference to John Rawls’ “Political Liberalism.” Also examined is the role of courts in developing constitutional doctrine. This assists us to better understand the separation of powers as among the legislature, the executive and courts.

The Francis Forbes Annual Law Lecture is co-sponsored by Memorial University, the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.


Location: Bruneau Centre (IIC 2001)

Date and Time: Wednesday, Mar 29th at 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM (NDT)

For more information: https://www.mun.ca/hss/events-and-awards/annual-events/francis-forbes-annual-law-lecture/