Professor Paul Daly shortlisted for Walter Owen Book Prize

By Common Law

Communication, Faculty of Law

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The Common Law Section is pleased to share that Professor Paul Daly’s book “A Culture of Justification: Vavilov and the Future of Administrative Law” has been shortlisted for the Walter Owen Book Prize, awarded by the Canadian Foundation for Legal Research.

Established in 1988, the recognizes outstanding new contributions to Canadian legal literature. Professor Daly’s book examines a pivotal moment in Canadian administrative law: the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark 2019 decision in Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) v. Vavilov. For decades, administrative law in Canada had been marked by uncertainty and inconsistency. Vavilov sought to resolve this chaos and provide a framework for the future.

In A Culture of Justification, Professor Daly explores the historical roots of administrative law, the tensions that judges have had to deal with in the face of a growing administrative state, and why previous reform efforts failed. He argues that Vavilov may succeed where earlier attempts did not, fostering a “culture of justification” in which public decision-makers must provide clear, reasoned explanations for their actions.

Written for students, practitioners, civil servants, decision-makers, and academics, the book is a vital resource for understanding one of the most important areas of Canadian law.

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We extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Daly on this well-deserved recognition.