Welcome to Law! CLU 3MR Lesson 1

Welcome to Law! Learning Goal: Feel comfortable in this very full classroom! In the News: Course Outline & Expectations How much do you know? Written response

In the News… Toronto serial killer Sexual harassment/misconduct issues 1 year since Quebec City mosque attack Killings of indigenous youth (Saskatchewan & Manitoba cases) Ontario election

This Course: “M” level course… much more challenging than 2P/3C/3O, a smaller step up from 2D, etc. Be prepared to read, to pay attention to current political and legal events, and defend your opinions on many issues Be prepared to write, to analyze cases, to predict outcomes, and to explain the significance of legal terms and issues Be prepared to respect the opinions of others, the legal process, and the people we have chosen to lead us Be prepared to question, particularly if you think there is a better way Be prepared to speak up and participate

The Outline: Units: Legal Foundations Rights and Freedoms Civil Law Criminal Law

Assessment: Culminating Seminar 10% Final Exam 20% Other big assignments: One major essay (also 10%) Opinion papers Unit tests Mock trial (group activity) Case studies

Deadlines: If a major assignment (essay, opinion paper, case studies) are not submitted at the start of class on their due date, there will be a 10% deduction. If you will be absent on the day an assignment is due, email it to the teacher. (Mairi.bew@tldsb.on.ca) Bring a hard copy the following day. Most assignments will not be accepted once they have been marked and returned If you will be absent from class on the day of a test, email the teacher as soon as you know. Seminar dates are set in stone. As they are your culminating activity, you must be present on the date you have chosen.

Emailing a Teacher: Hi Ms Bew, Please find attached my assignment…. Or mairi.bew@tldsb.on.ca get it right! Include a subject line Write in full sentences Ask politely Explain clearly Hi Ms Bew, Please find attached my assignment…. Or Would it be possible for me… From, Responsible Student

How Much Do You Know About Canadian Law?

1. Can school officials allow a police sniffer dog to search for drugs in students’ backpacks?

2. Is a person who has been arrested required to answer police questions?

3. Is there actually such a thing as a “citizen’s arrest”?

4. Are the results of a polygraph or ‘lie detector’ allowed as evidence in a trial?

5. Can someone your age receive an adult sentence for a violent crime?

6. At what age is a person eligible for jury duty?

7. Is polygamy—having more than one husband or wife—legal in Canada?

8. Is a verbal agreement legally binding?

9. When does a Canadian judge bang a gavel on the bench?

10. If you break into an empty cabin to escape from a life-threatening blizzard, will you be convicted of breaking and entering?

11. Can you be convicted of an offence for making fun of someone on a social networking site?

12. Is it a crime to burn a Canadian flag in a public protest?

Written Response In a properly formed paragraph, let me know your opinion on one of the following topics: Your purpose for taking this course Your thoughts on the legal topics we have already discussed Your thoughts on Canada’s legal system Homework:

Rules v Laws What’s the difference? Make a list of examples. Discuss with the person next to you.

Introduction to Canadian Law If human nature were perfect, there would be no need for law.

What is Law? Laws are a set of rules established and enforced by the government. Laws are mandatory. Laws involve a detailed system of consequences.

What if there are no laws? Chaos and anarchy Imagine trying to drive if there was no Highway Traffic Act

Why do we need laws? To prevent anarchy & chaos To bring peace and order to society To protect members in society To ensure justice is served Rule of Law: the principle of justice stating that the law is necessary to regulate society, that law applies equally to everyone, and that people are not governed by arbitrary power

What do laws do? They protect society They provide a way to solve problems

What are laws based on? Laws reflect the values, morals, and beliefs of society Values: things which people feel are important (life, freedom of speech, religion) Morals: conformity to accepted codes of behaviour Beliefs: how people think (views on issues like capital punichsment, abortion, education)

Right and Obligations Under the law you are entitled to certain rights With these rights come undeniable obligations When you are 18 you are given the right to vote You have the obligation to learn about the issues at stake When you are 19 you are given the right to drink alcohol With that comes the obligation to drink responsibly and not injure someone through your careless actions

What makes laws effective? Fair Organized Reported Published and accessible Enforced and administered

Roncarelli v Duplessis [1959] SCR 121 Proof that we need strong laws to protect everyone Reinforcing the Rule of Law