Who has the power?
Who has the power to make criminal law in Canada: the federal government or the provinces?
Federal government
In what year was the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms added to the Constitution?
1982
R. v. Butler — Supreme Court judges watched hours of adult films to decide what counts as obscene under Canadian law.
Real Case- SCC 1992
The right that allows people to say what they think without fear of punishment.
Freedom of expression- Sec 2b
Multani v. Commission — A Sikh student wants to wear a kirpan (ceremonial dagger) to school, but the school bans all weapons. Did the Supreme Court rule for the student or for the school?
For the student — freedom of religion protected (SCC, 2006).
Education is mainly under whose jurisdiction: federal or provincial?
Provincial Government
What is the name of the process that allowed Canada to gain full control over its own Constitution from the UK?
Patriation
Penguin Books v. Canada — A case where a bookstore claims that banning a children’s book about penguins violates freedom of expression. Real or fake?
Fake Case
The right that lets you practice any religion you choose — or no religion at all.
Freedom of Religion- Sec 2a
R. v. Sparrow — An Indigenous fisherman argues his Aboriginal right to fish takes priority over federal fishing regulations. Did the Supreme Court agree yes or no?
Yes — Aboriginal rights upheld (SCC, 1990).
Who has the power to create laws about marriage and divorce: federal, provincial, or both?
Both- the federal government handles marriage & divorce laws, while provinces handle the solemnization (ceremony rules).
Which Canadian Prime Minister is most associated with bringing the Charter into the Constitution?
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
R. v. Parks — A man was acquitted of murder because he committed the act while sleepwalking.
Real Case- SCC 1992
The right that ensures everyone is treated equally under the law, regardless of race, gender, age, or disability.
Right to Equality - Sec 15
Dobson v. Dobson- A child sued their mother for injuries caused by her negligent driving during pregnancy?
Mothers can't be held responsible for prenatal care- SCC 1999
Health care involves both levels of government. Which level has primary responsibility for delivering health services?
The provinces (federal supports through funding and national standards).
The Constitution Act, 1867 was originally called by a different name. What was its original name?
The British North America Act (BNA Act)
R. v. Boudreault — A drunk man waiting for a taxi in the driver seat of a car, which was turned off, was charged with “care or control” or operating under the influence.
Real Case- SCC 2012
The right that protects Canadians from unreasonable government searches, including phone and backpack searches.
Right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure - Sec 8
Irwin Toy Ltd. v. Quebec — A company challenges a law banning advertising to children, claiming it violates freedom of expression. Did the Supreme Court find the law constitutional or unconstitutional?
Constitutional — reasonable limit to protect children (SCC, 1989).
Under the Constitution Act, 1867, which level of government has jurisdiction over “property and civil rights,” and why is this power so important?
The provinces — because it covers contracts, employment, local business regulation, and most private law matters.
Only one province did not sign the Constitution Act, 1982 when it was patriated. Which province was it?
Quebec
Mustapha v. Culligan of Canada Ltd. — A case where a man sued a water company after finding a dead fly in his bottled water and claimed it caused him severe psychological distress.
Real Case- SCC 2008
The right that guarantees that anyone charged with an offence must be treated as innocent until proven guilty by the state. What is this right called?
Presumption of Innocence- Sec 11d
Ward v. Quebec (Commission des droits de la personne) — A comedian makes harsh jokes about a disabled teenager. Did the Supreme Court say the comedian violated the teen’s rights, or does freedom of expression win?
Freedom of expression wins (SCC, 2021).