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over the documents aided by a group of retired judges. More recently, in a ruling that set the stage for the defeat of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's minority govern- ment and the May 2 election that saw him returned to power with a majority, Milliken ruled there was a breach of parliamentary privilege after the govern- ment refused to table documents related to the estimated cost of its crime bills and the F-35 fighter jets it wants to pur- chase. While the rulings are considered by others to be Milliken's lasting legacy both in Canada and around the world, he downplays the achievement, saying he was just acting according to parlia- mentary precedent. "I don't think the rulings were earth-shattering. The only thing is that in a majority Parliament you wouldn't normally have the speaker making the decision. There would be a vote and the vote would be to say no to the production of the documents or to the portions of the documents that had not been produced and that the govern- ment said were not ones that should be made public." However, experts in parliamentary procedure and parliamentary law like Franks disagree. "The Afghan detainees and the cost of programs, I think are landmark decisions and they were very well written and very nicely delivered." Franks says the rulings could also have an impact beyond Parliament. "They could be used in evidence in a court of law. For example, in this majority government if the government refuses to reveal information that the opposi- tion thinks it is entitled to, it could take a case to the courts. Those rulings could be used for a writ of mandamus to compel the government to produce the documents." Stephen Scott, professor emeritus of law at McGill University, who describes Milliken as "a superstar of speakers," says Milliken's rulings serve as impor- tant precedents on Parliament's right to Whitewater canoeing is one of Milliken's passions. That and reading Hansard. information and will be invoked outside of Canada as well. "The right of the House to demand and have documents THE ESSENTIAL REFERENCE FOR FAST ANSWERS IN COURT NEW PUBLICATION FAMILY LAW LITIGATION HANDBOOK GARY S. JOSEPH, PHYLLIS BRODKIN, WILLIAM H. ABBOTT, GEORGINA CARSON, GEOFFREY WELLS, MICHAEL STANGARONE (MacDONALD & PARTNERS LLP) Whether you're in court or meeting with clients, opponents, or mediators, this portable guide gives you fast answers when you need them. Get the practical information that helps you navigate family law litigation procedures, region- specific rules and child and spousal support guidelines. The Family Law Litigation Handbook is the courtroom companion you can rely on when a Judge, opposing counsel or colleague needs a quick reference or an answer to a question raised in argument. ORDER # 982905-61303 $99 Softcover 280 pages December 2010 978-0-7798-2905-7 Shipping and handling are extra. Price subject to change without notice and subject to applicable taxes. AVAILABLE RISK-FREE FOR 30 DAYS Order online at www.carswell.com Call Toll-Free: 1-800-387-5164 In Toronto: 416-609-3800 32 JULY 2011 www. CANADIAN Lawyermag.com Carswell-25843_CL_July_11.indd 1 6/13/11 10:11:21 AM neD fRanKs