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 form of human law?
Hammurabi's Code
These are a set of rules established and enforced by the government.
Laws
What are some key elements of justice?
-Treating like cases alike and different cases differently
-Not discriminating on the basis of irrelevant characteristics
-Impartiality
-Matches society's beliefs and values
Constitutional, Administrative, and Criminal Law are this type of law
Public Law
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 party won the 2025 provincial election in Ontario
The PCs (Conservatives)
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.
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
What level of government is responsible for healthcare and education funding?
Provincial
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
This type of law outlines the steps involved in protecting our rights.
Procedural Law
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)
How is common law different from civil law?
Common law relies on judicial precedent (past court decisions), while civil law is based on codified laws (written statutes).
What is the name for the general category of law that prohibits and penalizes crimes?
Statute law
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 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