Though the Heavens Fall: 100 Years of the BC Court of Appeal is an hour long documentary that highlights the history of the BC Court of Appeal and its place in the fabric of British Columbia.  Archival imagery, newspaper articles and captivating charcoal-styled animations share the stage with interview footage of lawyers and justices who tell the story of the landmark cases heard by the court in the last 100 years and how they are a reflection of the society of day.  Pivotal cases are discussed in a manner that highlights the importance of the appeals process in interpreting and administering the law.

One of the earliest, and most famous, cases featured in the documentary is that of the Komagata Maru, the ship carrying Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu immigrants who were denied permission to land in Vancouver in 1914.  Other cases cover topics such as rape and whether a woman's past can be considered when determining sexual consent; logging on Meares Island in 1984 and the associated issues of land claims, treaties, and minority rights; and more recently same-sex marriage.  In each example the documentary explores how the Court of Appeals is called upon to search for errors or miscarriages of justice in various court cases. Each example also reminds us of the fallibility of human nature, and that judges are indeed human.

Though the Heavens Fall: 100 Years of the BC Court of Appeal is a co-production of the Knowledge Network and the Justice Education Society.  It will air on the Knowledge Network throughout 2010.  It will also be available through the Justice Education Society for use by schools or for public viewing.  A companion Teacher's Guide will be distributed along with the DVD in 2010 to all Law 12 teachers for use in the classroom.

Clips can be viewed through the Knowledge Network.

The show will next air on Wednesday January 13 at 11:00 pm.