What is Law?
What do we call the rules that society uses to control behaviour?
Laws
If someone steals a car, is that usually a criminal or civil matter?
Criminal
What document protects many basic rights and freedoms in Canada?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
What do you call an action that breaks a law?
A crime
This famous case involved a football player accused of murdering his ex-wife and her friend. Who was the accused?
O.J. Simpson
In Canadian law, what is the Crown?
the Crown is the legal embodiment of the sovereign (the King) and represents the executive power, governance, and state authority in Commonwealth countries like Canada. (Represents the State of Canada)
If two people disagree about money they owe each other, is that more likely criminal or civil?
Civil
Can Canadians generally express their opinions freely?
Yes
What is the difference between a crime and a civil wrong?
A crime is an offence against society/public law, while a civil wrong usually involves a dispute between individuals or organizations.
In this famous Canadian case, Dr. Henry Morgentaler challenged a contentious Canadian laws. What issue was the case about?
Abortion
What is the strictest punishment in Canadian Law?
Life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years
Someone punches another person during an argument. Is this situation Criminal or Civil?
Both. The government could pursue criminal charges, and the injured person could potentially bring a civil claim.
The government wants to limit someone's freedom of expression. Does the Charter mean that freedom of expression can never be limited?
No. Charter rights can have reasonable limits that are legally justified.
Can anyone think of an example?
DAILY DOUBLE
What are the two names used in court for the person accused of committing a crime?
The accused or the defendant
This American woman became famous after being charged with murdering her young daughter. Who was she and what was the outcome of her murder trial?
Casey Anthony - Not Guilty
Why would a society want laws instead of simply letting everyone decide for themselves what is right and wrong?
To create consistent rules, maintain order, protect people, and resolve conflicts.
DAILY DOUBLE
In a criminal case, why is the Crown required to prove the accused guilty rather than making the accused prove they are innocent?
Because of the presumption of innocence and the Crown's burden of proof.
A student is arrested and asks to speak to a lawyer. What basic Canadian right is involved?
The right to counsel
What is an appeal?
A request for a higher court to review a lower court's decision
A famous U.S. Supreme Court case gave us the rights that police must explain to suspects when making an arrest. What are they called?
Miranda Rights (Miranda v. Arizona)
A new law is passed, but the government itself refuses to follow it. What important legal principle does this violate?
The rule of law.
A person is found guilty of a crime. Who decides the punishment: the police, the victim, the jury, or the judge?
The Judge
Why do you think the Charter protects rights such as freedom of expression? Give one reason.
To protect individual freedom, allow people to participate in democracy, protect minority viewpoints, etc.
What is the difference between being acquitted and being convicted?
Acquitted means found not guilty; convicted means found guilty.
What did Brown V. the Board of Education fight against, and what was the verdict?
Racial segregation in schools - Verdict was that segregated schools were unconstitutional, so schools must be integrated.