Defence lawyers in Canadian hate crime cases often point to Section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.Section 2 of the Charter guarantees freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression.How has the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on this matter?

A) Freedom of speech can be limited by law to address the problem of hate speech.
B) Freedom of speech cannot be limited by law except in the most extreme circumstances.
C) Section 2 of the Charter nullifies Sections 318 and 319 of the Canadian Criminal Code.
D) Section 2 of the Charter prevents the conviction of persons charged with the wilful promotion of hatred.

Question

Aartee Sookha · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that freedom of speech can be limited by law to address the problem of hate speech. In the case of R. v. Keegstra, the Court held that hate speech needs to be limited in order to protect the dignity and equality of all individuals in society. This decision set a precedent for future hate speech cases.

Definitions

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Related questions