Colour-Coded: A Legal History of Racism in Canada, 1900-1950 (Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History)
by Constance Backhouse
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Description
Historically Canadians have considered themselves to be more or less free of racial prejudice. Although this conception has been challenged in recent years, it has not been completely dispelled. In Colour-Coded, Constance Backhouse illustrates the tenacious hold that white supremacy had on our legal system in the first half of this century, and underscores the damaging legacy of inequality that continues today. Backhouse presents detailed narratives of six court cases, each giving evidence show more of blatant racism created and enforced through law. The cases focus on Aboriginal, Inuit, Chinese-Canadian, and African-Canadian individuals, taking us from the criminal prosecution of traditional Aboriginal dance to the trial of members of the 'Ku Klux Klan of Kanada.' From thousands of possibilities, Backhouse has selected studies that constitute central moments in the legal history of race in Canada. Her selection also considers a wide range of legal forums, including administrative rulings by municipal councils, criminal trials before police magistrates, and criminal and civil cases heard by the highest courts in the provinces and by the Supreme Court of Canada. The extensive and detailed documentation presented here leaves no doubt that the Canadian legal system played a dominant role in creating and preserving racial discrimination. A central message of this book is that racism is deeply embedded in Canadian history despite Canada's reputation as a raceless society. Winner of the Joseph Brant Award, presented by the Ontario Historical Society show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Constance Backhouse has done a comprehensive review of legal cases dealing with racism in Canada between 1900 and 1950. She has also done a wonderful job in presenting her findings in this book. The man text of the book is written for general readers and the stories are told in a way that is engaging and explains well the legal issues involved. The notes section, which is almost as long as the main text, provides a deeper analysis of the law itself, which would be of interest to lawyers and jurists.
The book examines six cases in detail. Three touch on racism against Aboriginal peoples; one on anti-Chinese racism and two deal with Black Canadians. Each gives us a portrait of the people involved as well as the laws being challenged. Well show more worth reading. show less
The book examines six cases in detail. Three touch on racism against Aboriginal peoples; one on anti-Chinese racism and two deal with Black Canadians. Each gives us a portrait of the people involved as well as the laws being challenged. Well show more worth reading. show less
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Author Information
14 Works 146 Members
Constance Backhouse is a Professor of Law and University Research Chair at the University of Ottawa.
Common Knowledge
- People/Characters
- Wanduta; Eliza Sero; Yee Clun; Ira Johnson; Isabella Jones; Viola Desmond
- Important places
- Canada
- First words
- The year was 1901, the eve of the first Canadian census of the twentieth century.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)The entrenched patters of racial discrimination, the pervasive mythology of Canadian 'racelessness,' and the 'stupefying innocence' that were all hallmarks of this case, clarified to participants and observers alike that Canadian racism was staying the course.
Classifications
- Genres
- Politics and Government, Nonfiction, History, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 342.710873 — Society, government, & culture Law U.S. Constitution - Bill of Rights, Amendments North America Canada
- LCC
- KE4395 .A7 .B32 — Law Law of Canada Law of Canada Constitutional law Individual and state. Civil and political rights
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 51
- Popularity
- 595,786
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.75)
- Languages
- English, French
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 9
- ASINs
- 1
