Article Title
The Law Society of British Columbia v. Trinity Western University: Complicated Answers to a Simple Question
Abstract
Trinity Western University (TWU) is an evangelical Christian university, located in Langley, British Columbia. The university offers a variety of programs, including professional programs in nursing and education. In 2010, after many years of planning and preparation, TWU applied to the various provincial law societies for accreditation of a law program. The graduates of an accredited program are eligible to take provincial law society exams, and, if they pass these exams, to be called to the bar in the particular province following a brief articling period. The graduates of an unaccredited program may still be called to the provincial bar but must satisfy some additional requirements. While many of the provincial law societies were prepared to accredit the TWU program, the law societies of British Columbia (LSBC) and Ontario (LSUC/LSO) declined to do so.