Landmark Charter case and Life, Liberty and Security of the Person
In 1985, Ratcliff lawyer Charles Stein argued the first case in the Supreme Court of Canada to deal with section 7 of the (then) new Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The case, known as Re BC Motor Vehicle Act, was a constitutional reference case brought by the Province of BC. Charles was retained to take the opposing position to that of the BC Government and to advocate for a broad interpretation of this right. Charles’ position carried the day with Canada’s highest court and the decision established the foundational legal and constitutional principles that protect each Canadian’s right to life, liberty and security to this day.