The Supreme Court of Canada: Its History, Powers and Responsibilities

In September 2000, the Supreme Court of Canada celebrated its 125th anniversary.This occasion provided Canadians, and especially those of us intimately related to the Court, with an opportunity to reflect upon the development of this national institution.As part of the celebrations, a conference on various topics drew our attention to the incremental steps taken through which the modem Supreme Court of Canada has emerged from its unpromising and modest beginning.'Commemorating 125 years of the Court's work also occasioned some reflection on the structure and composition of the Court, and the manner in which its position has evolved over time.This essay aims to provide an overview of the historical development of the Court and a discussion of its present-day role, jurisdiction, and responsibilities.This will, I hope, afford an understanding of the Supreme Court of Canada's tradition as well as a basis for comparative assessments with judicial systems and approaches in other nations.* Puisne Judge, Supreme Court of Canada.I should like to thank Angela Campbell and Katrina Gustafson, my law clerks, for their invaluable assistance in the research and preparation of these remarks.1.