Honours Political Science Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies
The Public Law and Judicial Studies program explores how constitutional, administrative, criminal, and international laws work to limit or control government power. It takes a critical look at the crucial role played by the judiciary and courts in this context.
This specialized program builds upon the foundational Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, offering a comprehensive examination of the world of law within democratic systems. Alongside core courses focusing on law and the judicial system, students enjoy the freedom to select courses spanning the five sub-fields of political science – Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Policy. Additionally, the Public Law and Judicial Studies specialization allows the flexibility to explore courses in other Social Sciences areas, such as Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, and Labour Studies.
The Public Law and Judicial Studies program provides a solid foundation and is perfect for those aspiring to become lawyers or pursue law-related careers. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how law mediates power in society, especially between the state and its citizens, or for those interested in the formal legal structures of the state and the impact of politics on the legal system.
If students decide to take a semester or two abroad, they have the opportunity to complete this at one of our partner schools in the United Kingdom. Along with Universities/Law Schools in Birmingham, Liverpool, and Glasgow, students can apply for an (optional) Certified International Experience (CIE) at one of the partner universities in the UK. If students are interested in studying in the UK and/or law, this is a great opportunity.
Program Details
Typical Entry Term
Fall (September)
Program Options
Full-time or part-time
Program Length
Four years (full-time)
Program Format
Course-based
Expandable List
Enrolment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement. Completion on any Level I program with a Grade Point average of at least a 5.0 including a grade of C or greater in one of POLSCI 1AA3 or 1AB3 (or 1G06 A/B)
The Academic Calendar lists course requirements and minimum grade requirements for entry to and continuance in the Honours BA Political Science Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies.
Sample Courses By Year (Not All Required)
Level I Courses
- POLSCI 1AA3 – Government, Politics, and Power
- POLSCI 1AB3 – Politics and Power in a Globalizing World
Level II Courses
- POLSCI 2C03 – Force and Fear, Crime and Punishment
- POLSCI 2D03 – Canadian Democracy
- POLSCI 2M03 – Governance, Representation, and Participation in Democracies
Level III Courses
- POLSCI 3EL3 – Election Law and Policy
- POLSCI 3CL3 – Constitutional and Public Law in Canada
- POLSCI 3RF3 – The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Level IV Courses
- POLSCI 4JS3 – Judicial Studies
- POLSCI 4LC3 – Research on Law and Courts
- POLSCI 4HR3 – Human Rights
Honours Political Science Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies enjoy success beyond the classroom
Based on aggregated Social Sciences data from the Ontario University Graduate Survey from 2017-2021
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Office Location
Department of Political Science
Kenneth Taylor Hall, 527
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4
Office Hours
The Department of Political Science operates in a hybrid format.
Monday to Friday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed daily 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)