Kate Puddister

I recently completed a PhD in Political Science at McGill University. I have also completed a MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy at the University of Guelph and BA honours in Criminal Justice and Public Policy also at the University of Guelph.

My doctoral dissertation undertook a comprehensive analysis of the Canadian reference power under the direction of Dr. Christopher Manfredi. This work seeks to understand how political actors rely on the courts to deal with divisive matters and how judicial review can be part of political strategy. This work is the subject of my book "Seeking the Courts Advice" which is currently under advance contract with UBC Press. I am also interested in a variety of topics that relate to judicial politics and Canadian constitutionalism.

My other work looks at criminal justice policy. I have completed a study on the RCMP's Mr. Big undercover investigative technique as a case study in police accountability and independence. I have now begun work on sentencing policy in Canada, with a focus on mandatory minimum sentences, section 12 of the Charter, and penal law.