The Principles of Fundamental Justice ascribed under section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms are a commonly misunderstood and an ambiguous area of Canadian law. Within the Canadian context, the Supreme Court’s interpretations of these principles give them incredible weight and significance, while giving little definition or explanation. Drawing on case law from the Supreme Court of Canada, this thesis examines the Supreme Court’s interpretation of substantive principles of fundamental justice for the purpose of evaluating their importance and use within Canadian law. The Court is reluctant to provide precise definitions of these principles for the purpose of increased interpretive power in the future. Due to the Charter’s relatively young age and the emergence of significant topics under section 7, the Court denies furthering what the principals of fundamental justice are in order to better protect the right to life, liberty and security of person in the future.
