The Global Reach of Canadian Laws

What is it about?

This chapter explores how Canadian laws apply beyond the country's borders. While Canada’s Parliament can make laws that affect people and businesses outside the country, this power is not unlimited. Courts generally require a clear link between Canada and the situation in question before applying Canadian laws internationally. The chapter examines the principles that determine when Canadian laws can reach across borders, such as criminal cases involving Canadian citizens abroad or trade regulations affecting foreign companies. It also discusses how international agreements and cooperation among countries influence how laws are applied beyond national borders.

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Photo by Amit Padhiyar on Unsplash

Photo by Amit Padhiyar on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Legal systems increasingly interact across national borders. Issues arising in international trade, online commerce, and transnational crime require clear legal frameworks to determine which laws apply where. This chapter provides an up-to-date analysis of Canada’s approach to extraterritorial jurisdiction, helping scholars, lawyers, and policymakers understand how the law is evolving. Countries worldwide are revising their legal frameworks to address cross-border challenges, making this discussion both timely and essential for anyone interested in Canadian law and its international impact.