Constitutional Law Mock Appeal Scenario: Rainfoot and Morrison v Thunder Bay

This resource, originally from the OJEN Spring 2013 Charter Challenge, deals with an injunction sought by Idle No More demonstrators Michelle Rainfoot and David Morrison to prevent the eviction of their protest encampment from a public park in the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario. When the City issues Notices of Eviction under the Trespass to Property Act, Rainfoot and Morrison argue that the City’s action violates their rights under sections 2(b) and (c) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and seeking injunctive relief against the City under section 24. This resource includes the trial level decision, which provides the basis for the appeal, as well as a factum template.

About the Charter Challenge

As Ontario’s only provincial appellate-level mock hearing, the Charter Challenge has students prepare arguments of Charter issues raised on appeal. While researching their arguments, students have the opportunity to connect online with other students around the province, as well as with lawyer mentors. Their factums are reviewed and finalist teams have the opportunity to argue the issue before a Court of Appeal judge, either in person or through video-conferencing.