ASSIGNMENT
– WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
January – April, 2005
York University
Political Science 3605
Public Law II
Winter Term 2005
Assignment: Read the Supreme Court of Canada’s recent decision in
Reference re. Same-Sex Marriage, (2004). This decision can be
found in the WebCT course under the “Course Content” Section under the
Folder Heading of “Recent Supreme Court Decisions,” or in the links on
the "regular" web page.. After reading the decision, write a
letter to the editor explaining your views on the decision.
You may comment on any aspect of the case. For
example, you may want to critique the decision in terms of whether it
was “right” or “wrong” and explain why. Or, you may want to write
on whether the courts should answer reference questions since some view
the process as undermining democracy since the courts are answering
“political” questions while allowing those who are elected to answer
these questions to “skirt” the issue. Or, you may want to write
on the aftermath of the decision and whether the Supreme Court’s
decision allows for the possibility of avoiding same-sex marriage
(there is going to be a free vote on the issue in the Spring Session of
Parliament).
Please note, the above three examples are only meant to be just that,
examples. You do not have to write on one of the above examples
and can choose to write your letter to the editor on another aspect of
the Supreme Court’s decision. However, please ensure that your
letter to the editor actually relates to the Supreme Court’s decision
in some manner since it is the topic of your letter.
Length: Since this is a letter to the editor, it is expected to
be short. Letters to the editor are usually between 150 – 300
words. However, for this assignment, an absolute maximum will be
500 words, or two typed, double spaced pages. Any letters longer
than the required length will be subject to a penalty. Please
remember, this is an exercise in writing clearly and concisely.
Therefore, part of the evaluation will be based on how well the student
is able to present his/her arguments in a clear, concise and cogent
manner.
Value: The value of this assignment is worth 5% of your overall
final mark.
Due: The assignment is due January 21, 2005.
No extensions are allowed except under exceptional circumstances.
Late papers will be docked 2% per day of lateness (including
weekends). Emailed assignments will not, barring exceptional
circumstances, be accepted.
Assignment Is Mandatory: Please note that this assignment (as
well as all other assignments) is mandatory. Students who do not
complete all of the required assignments will not be able to obtain the
credit.