Perils and Possibilities: Social Activism and the Law

The legal system is presented as a political resource in this examination of how Canadian, American, and British law can be used by social justice activists to negotiate with and leverage the power of lawyers, courts, tribunals, and commissions of inquiry. The opportunities and dangers that the law presents the activist community are covered in detail, with discussions of the contradictions behind personal rights discourse and the importance of administrative boards. Strategic, practical, and tactical questions are addressed to facilitate understanding and encourage activists to carefully navigate the contradictions inherent in laws.