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Difference between revisions of "Fundamentals of Canadian Law"
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Fundamentals of Canadian Law (view source)
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{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [[People's Law School]]|date= | {{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [[People's Law School]]|date= January 2023}}{{Learning about the Law Wikibook TOC}}{{Law-Related ESL Badge | ||
|lessonname= Fundamentals of the Law Lesson Module}} | |lessonname= Fundamentals of the Law Lesson Module}} | ||
In this section, you will learn about Canada's laws, your rights and responsibilities, and how the laws are made. | In this section, you will learn about Canada's laws, your rights and responsibilities, and how the laws are made. | ||
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===Multiple legal systems=== | ===Multiple legal systems=== | ||
There are multiple legal systems in Canada. European settlers brought the English and French legal systems to Canada. Today, most of the country follows laws rooted in English common law. The province of Quebec follows civil law, which came from France. When we say “Canada’s laws,” these are the laws we’re talking about. | |||
As well, Indigenous laws exist. They operate at the same time as common law and civil law in Canada. Indigenous legal systems were disrupted by colonialism. Indigenous communities across the country are rebuilding their distinct laws in a variety of ways. | As well, Indigenous laws exist. They operate at the same time as common law and civil law in Canada. Indigenous legal systems were disrupted by colonialism. Indigenous communities across the country are rebuilding their distinct laws in a variety of ways. | ||
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* to not suffer cruel or unusual treatment or '''punishment''' | * to not suffer cruel or unusual treatment or '''punishment''' | ||
The Charter also sets out '''equality rights'''. Everyone in Canada has the right to the equal protection and benefit of the law, without '''discrimination'''. This means that the laws in Canada must be applied equally to all people, | The Charter also sets out '''equality rights'''. Everyone in Canada has the right to the equal protection and benefit of the law, without '''discrimination'''. This means that the laws in Canada must be applied equally to all people, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability (among others). | ||
For more on these rights and freedoms, [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/charter-rights-overview/ see Dial-A-Law’s overview of the Charter]. | For more on these rights and freedoms, [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/charter-rights-overview/ see Dial-A-Law’s overview of the Charter]. | ||
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Provinces and territories have their own governments. British Columbia, like other provinces, has a '''provincial government'''. In BC, the elected representatives of the provincial government are members of the Legislative Assembly, often called MLAs. They meet at the legislature in Victoria. The leader of the provincial government is called the Premier. | Provinces and territories have their own governments. British Columbia, like other provinces, has a '''provincial government'''. In BC, the elected representatives of the provincial government are members of the Legislative Assembly, often called MLAs. They meet at the legislature in Victoria. The leader of the provincial government is called the Premier. | ||
Canada also has '''local (municipal) governments''' in cities and towns. The elected representatives are called councillors. They meet at | Canada also has '''local (municipal) governments''' in cities and towns. The elected representatives are called councillors. They meet at city hall or town hall. The leader of the municipal government is called the mayor. | ||
===Each level of government has different responsibilities=== | ===Each level of government has different responsibilities=== | ||