Key Concepts
List three functions of the law.
-Avoid/settle disputes
-Delineates the rights and obligations of citizens/government
-Provides remedies
-Sets up the structure of government
-Explains how to make laws
John and Jane are seeking a divorce and must now determine custody arrangements
Family Law
What happens at the first reading?
The Bill is introduced and read allowed.
What was the first written legal system?
Hammurabi's Code
These are a set of rules established and enforced by the government.
Laws
What is the difference between a rule and a law?
Rules only apply to the people in that group/organization/game/etc. Laws are made by the government and apply to everyone.
This is the highest court in Canada and serves as the final arbiter on matters of law.
Supreme Court
What happens at the second reading?
In this reading, the Bill introduced again and members debate and vote on the principle of the Bill.
French ______ law and the Napoleonic Code influenced the use of this legal system in Quebec.
Civil Law
This principle asserts that Parliament, within its jurisdiction, can make or unmake any law, and no law can limit its legislative authority.
Parliamentary supremacy
In this landmark case, the Court ruled that the Quebec Premier had abused his power when he revoked the liquor license of a man for exercising his constitutional rights.
Roncarelli v. Duplessis
Type of law in which a wrong committed against someone is brought forth for which there may be a lawsuit.
Tort Law
The ______________ Stage is when the Bill is studied in detail and amendments (changes) are often made
Committee Stage
The BNA Act and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms fall under this type of law.
Constitutional Law
This famous document was forcibly signed by King John in 1215. It recognized the rule of law, which is the idea that all people are alike and should follow the same laws.
Magna Carta
This concept suggests that a legal decision should serve as an example and authority in subsequent (future) similar cases. Similar facts should result in similar outcomes.
Precedent. Bonus points if you know the Latin term for this.
What is the highest court of Canada for 95% of cases?
The Federal Court of Appeals
Where does a bill go after it passes the third reading?
To the other house of Parliament (either House of Commons or Senate)
This document was signed in 1931 and officially gave Canada control over all of its own foreign affairs.
Statute of Westminister
Person who has final say over whether or not the bill is passed
The King (Governor General)
This writ requires authorities to bring a detained person before a court to determine whether their detention is lawful, and has been a cornerstone of liberty for centuries.
Habeas Corpus
Which part of Canada only has a single-level trial court?
Nunavut
This part of the government is know as the "place of sober second thought"
The Canadian Senate
Where was the stele with Hammurabi's code on it found? (Bonus points if you know the decade when it was found)
Susa, western Iran
1901
This concept dictates that a country has the right to make its own laws, govern its affairs, and make treaties without interference from outside powers.
Sovereignty