Legal Studies Flashcards
(92 cards)
Define Law
(3 points)
- A written custom
- Established by an authorized governing body
- There are consequences for non-compliance
The #1 Rule of Law
No one is above the law
What are the Statutory Laws?
- Federal Legislation
- Provincial Legislation
- Municipal Bylaws
Give a minimum of 3 examples of Federal Legislation
Criminal Code
Youth Criminal Justice Act
Immigration
Give a minimum of 3 examples of Provincial Legislation
Gaming, Liquor, & Cannabis Act
Freedom of Information Privacy (FOIP)
Healthcare
Education
Give a minimum of 3 examples of Municipal Bylaws
Animal Control
Transportation
Utilities
Public Places
What is the threshold for criminal?
99%, beyond a reasonable doubt.
What is the threshold for civil?
51%, balance of probabilities
What is the Organization of Courts
(highest to lowest)
Supreme Court of Canada
Alberta Court of Appeal
Court of King’s Bench
Provincial Court of Alberta
Alberta Court of Appeal
Only hears Alberta appeals from the King’s Bench
Supreme Court of Canada
Only hears those that have come up through the system
Court of the King’s Bench
Hears indictable offences and appeals from the Provincial Court of Alberta
Provincial Court of Alberta
Hears summary offences & indictable offences ONLY if the offender chooses.
Common Law
aka “Judge made law” or “Case law”
It is developed through time by Judges following legal precedents, and can change over time.
Criminal Law
A federal statute which regulates peoples actions that deals with criminal or quasi-criminal offences.
The goal being to find someone not-guilty or guilty beyond a reasonable doubt (99%).
-State v. Person-
Civil Law
Regulates peoples responsibilities towards other people. Its compensation for someone else’s perceived wrong-doing. The goal being not-liable or liable based on the balance of probabilities (51%).
-Person v. Person-
What are the 3 types of offences
Summary, Hybrid & Indictable
Indictable Offence
The most serious offences. Offenders have a right to choose their mode of trial.
Hybrid Offence
The Crown chooses whether to proceed by indictment or summary conviction based on a myriad of factors.
Summary Offence
The least serious offences.
Very few pure summary offences.
Define Rights
Legal, moral, or social obligation established by the goverment and given to you usually with limitations.
i.e. the right to vote when your over 18 years of age.
Define Freedoms
A privilege to live your life without goverment interference.
i.e. freedom to conscience or religion
Fundamental Justice
Does the punishment fit the crime?
Charter of Rights and Freedoms Section 1
The Saving Provision
Allows laws and restrictions that would otherwise breach the Charters IF it meets a substantial objective AND the law is proportionate to the objective.