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.
Dans cet épisode d’Obiter, Shauna Van Praagh s’entretient avec Yves Boisvert, journaliste avec La Presse depuis plus de 30 ans. Ensemble, ils explorent le rôle essentiel du journalisme dans la compréhension du droit, de la justice et de la démocratie.
Diplômé en droit de l’Université de Montréal, Yves Boisvert n’a jamais voulu devenir avocat, mais sa formation juridique a profondément façonné sa rigueur et sa capacité à vulgariser des enjeux complexes pour le grand public.
Pendant plus de dix ans comme journaliste judiciaire, puis comme chroniqueur, il s’est imposé comme un « spectateur professionnel » de la justice, convaincu qu’une critique lucide et rigoureuse renforce les institutions publiques.
La conversation aborde aussi sa méthode de terrain : aller à l’écoute des gens, recueillir leurs histoires, donner un visage humain aux grands enjeux. Ses reportages aux États-Unis en 2016 et 2024 illustrent cette approche, notamment face à la crise de la primauté du droit et des politiques migratoires de l’administration américaine.
Obiter est un balado de la Commission du droit du Canada, animé par Shauna Van Praagh. Notre équipe pour cet épisode se compose du producteur Brian Peebles, de la productrice associée Amélia Souffrant et la recherchiste Charlotte Ruffo.

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