Law and Courts Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is the main focus of Criminal Law?
The public nature of the law, addressing wrongs against the community as a whole.
Criminal law is distinct from civil law, which deals with wrongs against individuals.
What does Civil Law deal with?
Wrongs against the person harmed.
Civil law focuses on compensating the victim rather than punishing the offender.
List the three levels of government in Canada.
- Federal Government
- Provincial Government
- Municipal Government
Each level has specific responsibilities and powers.
What are some responsibilities of the Federal Government in Canada?
- Criminal Law
- Customs
- Currency/Banking
- Immigration
- Income Tax
- Elections
The federal government handles national issues and law enforcement.
What are some responsibilities of Provincial Governments in Canada?
- Education
- Traffic Safety Act
- Liquor + Gaming
- Fish/Wildlife
- Mental Health
Provincial governments manage local affairs and services.
What are some responsibilities of Municipal Governments in Canada?
- Zoning
- Parking
- Transit
- Detention
- Property Tax
Municipal governments focus on local community issues and services.
True or False: Criminal Law is a wrong against the individual.
False
Criminal law is focused on offenses against the community, not just individuals.
Fill in the blank: The _______ Government in Canada is responsible for criminal law.
Federal
The federal government has the authority to enact and enforce criminal laws.
What is the primary purpose of the Court of Kings Bench?
To hear and decide cases related to common law, particularly serious criminal offenses and civil disputes.
Which type of law does the Court of Kings Bench primarily deal with?
Common law
What types of matters do the Provincial Court of Alberta try?
Most criminal and civil matters, generally up to $25,000
Includes Youth Court and Family Court matters.
What types of offences are heard by the Provincial Courts?
Summary conviction offences, less serious indictable offences, and preliminary inquiries
Specified in the Criminal Code.
How many Provincial Courts are there in Alberta?
65 Provincial Courts
Over half are circuit courts that are not in session full-time.
Who hears cases in the Provincial Court of Alberta?
Provincial Court Judges appointed by the Province of Alberta
They do not conduct jury trials.
What is the role of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta?
It is the Provincial Superior Court and handles appeals and serious cases
Deals with Criminal Code appeals, serious indictable offences, and civil cases over $25,000.
Can the Court of Queen’s Bench conduct jury trials?
Yes, it can conduct trials by judge or jury.
What is the highest level of court in Canada?
Supreme Court of Canada
How many judges are on the Supreme Court of Canada?
Nine judges
One is appointed as the Chief Justice.
What is the function of the Supreme Court of Canada?
It is the final court of appeals in the Canadian justice system.
Decisions by the Supreme Court have impacted which legal framework?
Canadian Law, including the Criminal Code.
True or False: Provincial Courts conduct jury trials.
False
Fill in the blank: The Provincial Court of Alberta deals with civil matters generally up to ______.
$25,000
What is a notable characteristic of circuit courts in Alberta?
They are not in session full-time.
What website provides more information about the Provincial Court and Court of Queen’s Bench?
albertacourts.ca
