Obiter: Living Law, Pursuing Justice, Renewing Hope.
Obiter: Living Law, Pursuing Justice, Renewing Hope.
Podcast Description
Obiter is a compelling podcast from the Law Commission of Canada, hosted by its President, Shauna Van Praagh. Rooted in the legal term obiter dicta—words often seen as secondary but sometimes proving to be the most significant—the podcast shines a light on overlooked yet powerful aspects of law and justice.
Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with individuals across Canada who are shaping, challenging, and reimagining law in innovative and meaningful ways. From lawyers and scholars to activists and everyday citizens, guests bring unique perspectives on the evolving nature of law and its role in fostering justice and hope.
Obiter explores the many spaces where law operates—whether in the courtroom, communities, or personal experiences—highlighting its complexity, creativity, and human impact. By challenging assumptions and broadening perspectives, the podcast positions law reform as a dynamic, collective effort that takes many forms.
Through engaging discussions, Obiter encourages listeners to reflect, question, and connect, making it more than just a legal podcast—it’s a platform for inquiry, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of justice in Canada.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes of law reform, justice, and the intersection of law with various societal aspects. Episodes cover topics such as Indigenous legal traditions, the role of law in literature, and personal narratives from everyday citizens about their legal experiences, illustrating the complexity and human impact of legal systems.
Obiter is a compelling podcast from the Law Commission of Canada, hosted by its President, Shauna Van Praagh. Rooted in the legal term obiter dicta—words often seen as secondary but sometimes proving to be the most significant—the podcast shines a light on overlooked yet powerful aspects of law and justice.
Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with individuals across Canada who are shaping, challenging, and reimagining law in innovative and meaningful ways. From lawyers and scholars to activists and everyday citizens, guests bring unique perspectives on the evolving nature of law and its role in fostering justice and hope.
Obiter explores the many spaces where law operates—whether in the courtroom, communities, or personal experiences—highlighting its complexity, creativity, and human impact. By challenging assumptions and broadening perspectives, the podcast positions law reform as a dynamic, collective effort that takes many forms.
Through engaging discussions, Obiter encourages listeners to reflect, question, and connect, making it more than just a legal podcast—it’s a platform for inquiry, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of justice in Canada.
Before law school, Dr. Val Napoleon worked as a community activist with the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en Peoples of British Columbia. She learned their legal traditions holistically – from those actively practicing them – an experience that profoundly shaped her approach to law. This foundation continues to influence her work as she reimagines the possibilities for both Indigenous and Canadian legal systems.
A member of the Saulteaux First Nation and an adopted member of the Gitenyau, Dr. Napoleon is a trailblazer in the revitalization of Indigenous law. She began law school as a grandmother and has since dedicated her career to exploring Indigenous legal traditions. As the Law Foundation Chair of Indigenous Justice at the University of Victoria, she founded the Indigenous Law Research Unit and co-created a dual law degree in common and Indigenous law. She also co-founded the National Centre for Indigenous Law and leads efforts to holistically rebuild Indigenous legal orders. Dr. Napoleon continues to shape the teaching, learning, and practice of law in Canada.
Photo: Greg Miller
Resources:
Indigenous Law Research unit: https://ilru.ca/
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