U of T faculty cited in BC polygamy decision

Four University of Toronto Faculty of Law faculty and staff were cited, directly or indirectly, in the landmark polygamy reference judgment by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, which was written by alumnus The Honourable Chief Justice Robert Bauman ('74).

Prof. Rebecca Cook's literature review on the harms of polygyny, particularly in terms of international human rights law, was cited multiple times in the decision.

The judgement also referenced the contributions by Profs. Anver Emon and Mohammad Fadel regarding the role of polygamy in Islamic jurisprudence and practice.

Finally, the judgment made significant reference to the joint submission by the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC) and the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights at the University of Toronto regarding children's rights. Cheryl Milne, Director of the Asper Centre, served as one of the three co-counsel. Read more about the Asper Centre/CCRC contribution.

Cheryl Milne was interviewed in the media regarding the case:

• CTV interview with Cheryl Milne (video).
• "B.C. court upholds anti-polygamy law as constitutional," The Globe and Mail, Nov. 24, 2011.

Prof. Brenda Cossman also commented on the case in the media:

• "The polygamy ruling: Another peek into the bedrooms of the nation," The Globe and Mail, Nov. 24, 2011.