Explore the dynamic field of public law through stories that highlight its global and local impact. From uOttawa’s landmark hosting of the world’s leading public law conference, stewarded by the Public Law Centre, to Professor Michael Pal’s innovative research on democracy in a year when elections affected nearly half the world’s population, public law remains at the forefront topical discussions nearly every day of the year. Discover Professor Paul Daly’s celebrated expertise in administrative law, Professor Carissima Mathen’s distinguished contributions to legal writing, and Professor Adam Dodek’s riveting account of the rise and fall of Heenan Blaikie. Learn about groundbreaking research projects, including postdoctoral researchers exploring unwritten constitutional principles and legislative reform, Professor Sylvia Rich’s innovative work on the theory of punishment, Professor Yan Campagnolo’s efforts to make common law more understandable, and Professor François Larocque’s ongoing work leading the way in proposing transformative developments for the legal frameworks governing language rights. These stories showcase how public law shapes democracy, justice, and governance worldwide, and how our researchers are shaping public law.
2023-2025: Public Law
Biennial Research Report
Shaping public law: Researchers generating insights into governance and rights.
Research at the cutting edge of public law
“Public Law: Rights, Duties and Power”: The 2024 Public Law Conference
In July 2024, the world’s leading public law conference came to North America for the first time, stewarded by the Public Law Centre.
Who gets to speak? The Public Law Centre explores academic freedom
The uOttawa Public Law Centre opened up a forum for reflection, debate, and collaboration.
Democracy in crisis: Professor Michael Pal explores new approaches
With elections across Asia, Europe and America, nearly half of the world’s population will have the chance to vote this year.
Professor Paul Daly is shaping the evolution of administrative law
Professor Daly is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in administrative law.
Professor Sylvia Rich explores proportionality in sentencing
Professor Sylvia Rich sees a gap in the existing theoretical literature on punishment; she is embarking on a new project to address that gap.
Professor François Larocque is innovating at the forefront of language rights
Professor Larocque is exploring the legal frameworks of language rights while proposing ways to improve their development and implementation.
Marina Pavlović plays key role in landmark supreme court ruling
On October 4, 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada delivered a major victory for Canadian consumers.
Telling important stories
New book celebrates the life and legacy of Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella
Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella's journey is a testament to resilience, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Heenan Blaikie: The Making and Unmaking of a Great Canadian Law Firm
A new book by Professor Adam Dodek examines how Heenan Blaikie LLP rose to great prominence and success and then self-destructed.
“Common Law en bref” to make Canadian common law more accessible in French
Professor Yan Campagnolo is leading a new project to demystify Canadian common law for French-speaking minority communities.
Recognizing excellence
AJEFO honours Professor Yan Campagnolo with the 2025 Ordre du mérite
Recognizing Professor Campagnolo’s work advancing access to justice in French and supporting the Franco-Ontarian legal community.
Carissima Mathen Celebrated for Contributions to Legal Writing
In 2023, the Attorney General of Ontario, presented Professor Carissima Mathen with the David Mundell Medal for her contributions to legal writing.
Professor Paul Daly recognized for contributions to public law
Professor Paul Daly was selected as a winner of the 2023 Lexpert Rising Stars Awards.
Professor Adam Dodek appointed Chair of the Canadian Legal Information Institute
Free and open access to law is essential to a fair and functioning legal system.
Postdoctoral leaders
Postdoc Joanne Murray explores unwritten constitutional principles and norms
Dr. Joanne Murray’s research focuses on the ways in which unwritten constitutional principles and norms are power-conferring in nature.
Postdoc Seána Glennon explores how citizens’ assemblies can enhance democracy
Dr. Glennon’s doctoral research focuses on the role of citizen deliberation in constitutional and legislative reform processes.