Use of Language

This text was written using plain language to explain most ideas. Links are provided for further explanation and depth as required. Some portions might prove too introductory for students with a law practice background; however, the authors chose to include “the basics” supplemented by more in-depth materials.

The authors and contributors use the language of “they/them/theirs” rather than she/her/hers, he/him/his, and so on except when quoting directly from a source that uses gendered language. The text is written in English, which is inherently exclusionary. The authors have been attentive to use of inclusive language. Suggestions for improvements in this regard are welcome.

Accessibility

Versions of this text can be downloaded in multiple formats that should accommodate screen readers and other  assistive devices. For accessibility requests that the author neglected to consider, please email the author at gemma.smyth@uwindsor.ca.

A Note regarding Open Source & “Crowdsourced” Texts

The benefit of an open source, downloadable text is that it can be searched, excerpted, remixed, and adapted over time. As noted earlier, this text is a living work-in-progress that will cumulatively benefit from the insights of its contributors. Some contributors have chosen to write from personal experience; however, no names are attached to their contributions.

The benefits of an open source, online text are immense. However, there are also limits. The most significant limit is on the type of material that can be included. The reader will note that there are many links to external sources throughout the text. To respect copyright, there are small excerpts from materials but no full-length materials. Every effort was made to include only open source references, but this was not always possible. In most cases, students should be able to access materials by signing into their university or college library’s website. Where further investigation on a topic is warranted, there are links to articles, websites, videos, and so on that will help interested students examine ideas in greater depth and complexity. If the reader is using this text in printed form, they will not have access to the embedded videos.

A Note Regarding Citations

Given this is an online text, most sources are directly hyperlinked. When there is no open source link available, a citation is provided. A list of all hyperlinked and cited sources in each Chapter is available in the References sections. The authors have also embedded memes throughout the text. The meme creators are acknowledged and referenced, if known.