What is law?
What is the basic definition of law?
A set of rules made and enforced by the government.
What are the two main types of law?
Criminal and Civil Law
What is a defendant?
A person accused in a legal case
What is the highest court in Canada?
The Supreme Court of Canada.
What is one right you have as a Canadian citizen?
eg: Freedom of speech
Why do societies need laws?
To maintain order and protect rights
What does criminal law deal with?
Crimes and punishments.
What is a plaintiff?
A person who brings a case in civil court
What document protects our rights in Canada?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
What is one responsibility you have as a citizen?
Answers vary
What is one example of a law you follow every day?
e.g, traffic laws. Answer will vary
What does civil law deal with?
Disputes between individuals or organizations.
What does “verdict” mean?
The decision in a trial
Who enforces laws in Canada?
Police and courts
What does “equality before the law” mean?
Everyone is treated fairly under the law.
Who creates laws in Canada?
Parliament and provincial legislature
What is family law an example of?
Civil Law
What is a “sentence”?
The punishment given after a guilty verdict
What is a judge’s role?
To interpret and apply the law fairly
Can rights ever be limited?
Yes, if necessary to protect others or public safety.
What is the difference between a rule and a law? Provide an example
Laws are enforced by the government; rules may be informal or specific to groups.
What is the difference between public and private law? Provide an example
Public law affects society; private law affects individuals.
What does “appeal” mean in law?
Asking a higher court to review a decision.
What is the difference between federal and provincial laws?
Federal laws apply to the whole country; provincial laws apply within provinces
What is the importance of knowing your rights?
So you can protect yourself and others.