Meet 7 Legal Experts Who Will Change the Way You Think

Meet the Visionary Scholars Who Are Challenging the Status Quo

1. Marion Buller: Chief Commissioner for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls

Marion Buller, a trailblazing First Nations judge who has broken down barriers throughout her career. In 1994, she became the first woman of Indigenous descent to serve as a judge in British Columbia. She later served as chief commissioner for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in 2016. Judge Buller has also been a director and president of Canada’s Indigenous Bar Association, a member of the B.C. Police Commission, and instrumental in starting the First Nations Court of British Columbia.

2. Michael Geist on Freedom of Expression & Freedom of the Press

Dr. Michael Geist is a renowned law professor at the University of Ottawa, holding the prestigious Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law. He has received several degrees, including an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School, LL.M. degrees from Cambridge University and Columbia Law School, and a J.S.D. from Columbia Law School.

During their discussion, Aaron inquired about Michael's academic and professional background, including his experiences in law school and his journey into teaching. Michael shared his expertise and enthusiasm for internet, e-commerce, and tech law, which prompted a thoughtful conversation about the potential implications of two upcoming Canadian legislative bills: Bill C-11, also known as the Online Streaming Act, and Bill C-18, the Online News Act.

3. Nikos Harris on the Canadian Criminal Justice System

Aaron and Nikos delve into the world of criminal law and justice, tackling hot-button topics such as mandatory minimum sentencing and the implications of recent Canadian legislation. Nikos, an accomplished professor and appellate counsel, brings his wealth of experience to the discussion and shares his insights on criminal law and evidence. They also touch on Nikos' impressive career, including his work with the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute and his time as a judicial clerk at the British Columbia Court of Appeal, where he was recognized with the Raymond Herbert Award. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of law and justice.

4. Joel Bakan on Psychopathic Corporation & the World Economic Forum

Aaron Pete and Joel Bakan delve into the fascinating topic of the impact of corporations on our society, including the thought-provoking insights from Mr. Bakan's acclaimed film, The New Corporation. As a professor of law at the University of British Columbia, Mr. Bakan has dedicated his career to exploring the complex interplay between law, economics, and politics, with his work appearing in leading journals as well as popular publications. In addition to his scholarship, Mr. Bakan has lent his expertise to landmark legal cases, government policy, and media commentary. And, as if that weren't enough, Mr. Bakan is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against none other than Twitter.

5. Julen Extabe on the Origins of Law

Aaron Pete and Julen Etxabe delve into the fascinating intersections of law, religion, philosophy, and Indigenous culture. Aaron engages Julen in thought-provoking conversations about western culture, belief systems, decolonization, and the meaning of it all. Julen is a brilliant Assistant Professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia and holds the esteemed Canada Research Chair in Jurisprudence and Human Rights.

6. John Borrows on the Power of Indigenous Law

Aaron traveled to Vancouver Island to meet with John Borrows, an Anishinaabe/Ojibway academic and jurist who is a leading expert in Canadian Indigenous Law and constitutional law. As the Loveland Chair in Indigenous Law at the University of Toronto Law School and an Officer of the Order of Canada, Borrows has dedicated his career to promoting understanding and appreciation of Indigenous laws. Borrows shared with Aaron the story of how his mother's influence inspired his passion for teaching Indigenous law and his instrumental role in creating the first integrated common law and Indigenous law degree program in Canada.

7. Philip Slayton on Identity Politics & Antisemitism

Aaron delves into the fascinating world of law and legal profession with Philip Slayton, a former law professor and a well-respected lawyer who has worked on major corporate transactions. The two discuss Slayton's riveting books, including "Lawyers Gone Bad", a gripping expose of money, sex, and madness in Canada's legal profession, and "Antisemitism: An Ancient Hatred in the Age of Identity Politics", a powerful exploration of a disturbingly persistent phenomenon. Slayton also shares his thoughts on the state of freedom in Canada, as detailed in his provocative book "Nothing Left to Lose". Don't miss this engaging conversation on law, ethics, and the human condition.