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Difference between revisions of "Canada’s Legal System"
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{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [[People's Law School]]|date= | {{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [[People's Law School]]|date= February 2023}}{{Learning about the Law Wikibook TOC}}In this section, you will learn the role courts and tribunals play in applying Canada's laws. | ||
==Two kinds of law: Criminal law and civil law== | ==Two kinds of law: Criminal law and civil law== | ||
Broadly speaking, laws in Canada fall into two categories: criminal law or civil law. | Broadly speaking, laws in Canada fall into two categories: criminal law or civil law. | ||
'''Criminal law''' deals with crimes, like assault or theft. The ''Criminal Code'' is the main law setting out what amounts to a crime and how it should be dealt with. This law is the same all across Canada. The purpose of criminal law is to make sure people stay safe and secure. If someone is charged and found guilty of a crime, they face legal consequences ranging from a discharge to a fine to time in jail. | '''Criminal law''' deals with crimes, like assault or theft. The ''Criminal Code'' is the main law setting out what amounts to a crime and how it should be dealt with. This law is the same all across Canada. The purpose of criminal law is to make sure people stay safe and secure. If someone is charged and found guilty of a crime, they face legal consequences ranging from a discharge to a fine to time in jail. | ||
'''Civil law''' deals with all other legal issues, like having a contract with someone or buying | '''Civil law''' deals with all other legal issues, like having a contract with someone or buying property. Family law is another kind of civil law. The purpose of civil law is to make sure that we are fair in our dealings with each other. | ||
==Courts apply the laws== | ==Courts apply the laws== | ||
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A '''court''' is a place where legal matters are decided, usually by a judge. Courts exist to provide a way to apply the laws in a fair and rational manner. Courts have a variety of functions. For example, they enforce criminal law and they resolve civil law disagreements among people. | A '''court''' is a place where legal matters are decided, usually by a judge. Courts exist to provide a way to apply the laws in a fair and rational manner. Courts have a variety of functions. For example, they enforce criminal law and they resolve civil law disagreements among people. | ||
Two very important principles are fundamental to the Canadian court system: | Two very important principles are fundamental to the Canadian court system: | ||
* the courts are separate from government | * the courts are separate from government | ||
* judges are independent | * judges are independent | ||
===The courts are separate from government=== | ===The courts are separate from government=== | ||
