This is a joint project between Osgoode Hall Law School, the University of Toronto, and Lincoln Alexander
Project Type: Legal Research and Writing
Fields of Law: Corrections and Conditional Release Act, Criminal Code, Privacy Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, Charter
of Rights and Freedoms
Positions Available: 1 student
About the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC)
Established in 2017, the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) is an independent not-for-profit community legal clinic, funded by Legal Aid Ontario, that combats individual and systemic anti-Black racism by providing free legal services, conducting research, developing public legal education materials, and engaging in test case litigation and law reform.
Project Details
Anti-Black racism within the medical system, including mistreatment and disparities, has been documented through social science evidence and more. In the past few years, BLAC has received several requests for assistance from people who suspected that the negative medical outcomes experienced by their family members were due to anti-Black racism. BLAC does not currently deal with medical malpractice cases, but given the prevalence of this issue, the legal clinic would like to see what avenues of redress may be available.
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
Develop a public resource on anti-Black racism in health care. Conduct legal research on the prevalence of anti-Black racism in health care (e.g. maternal, mental). Outline possible avenues of redress (e.g. complaint to regulatory body, civil claim for medical negligence, application to human rights tribunal, appeal to Consent and Capacity Board), including the process and associated pros/cons (e.g. adverse costs, remedies, timelines, limitation periods). This portion will include a review of relevant case law. Pull together available community resources (e.g. patient navigators). In addition, students will research possible issues with provincial or federal laws and regulations that may be leading to disparate health outcomes, and which BLAC might seek to reform.
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
Yes.
If yes, the student(s) must reach out to the lawyer supervisor, draft a work plan, and submit it by email to the Program Coordinator and the lawyer supervisor by November 1st at the latest. Please note that workplans are required for all legal research and writing projects.
What Type Of Training Will the Organization Provide?
Note: All first year PBSC volunteers and all volunteers working on research projects must also attend a PBSC/Thomson Reuters legal research strategies workshop.
All students will be invited to participate in staff internal training workshops relating to the research topic and other related areas of law.
How Many Hours Per Week Will the Student Volunteer(s) Be Expected to Volunteer?
3-5 hours per week.
Will The Student(s) Be Expected To Show Up For Regular Shifts Each Week?
No regular shifts. Schedule is flexible.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
Most of this work can be done remotely. However, BLAC does have laptops, desks, and printers that students can use, if needed. We generally are at the office on Thursdays between 9 to 6.
Requirements and Expectations
- History of self-directed research
- Strong research background (e.g. freedom of information requests)
- Background in healthcare or science is an asset