Landmark Cases: R.v.Patrick – Is Garbage Private?

Through the study of this landmark case students will explore questions about what level of privacy Canadian citizens are entitled to and under what circumstances. R.v.Patrick, and the Supreme Court of Canada’s 2009 decision in regards to the case, is significant because it defines what constitutes abandonement and reasonable expectation of privacy.

This activity is designed to engage CTS Legal Studies students in a critical and open debate about privacy laws and issues within Canada. It includes a throrough case summary, critical analysis and discussion questions, and additional resources related to the issue.