CLU3M Intro

Understanding Canadian Law, (CLU3M) Grade 11, University/College Preparation This course explores Canadian law with a focus on legal issues that are relevant to people’s everyday lives. Students will investigate fundamental legal concepts and processes to gain a practical understanding of Canada’s legal system, including the criminal justice system.  Students will use critical-thinking, inquiry, and communication skills to develop informed opinions on legal issues and apply this knowledge in a variety of ways and settings, including case analysis, legal research projects, mock trials, and debates.

  Prerequisites:  Canadian History in the Twentieth Century Credits:           One University/College preparation (Social Sciences credit)

Aims:               The study of the Canadian legal system is an essential part of Canadian studies.  An understanding of the process of the legal system is a vital part of the operation of a democratic and orderly society.  The course is planned to assist and encourage students to:

understand and appreciate the dynamic nature of the law in response to social change as well as the traditional values the law seeks to uphold. understand human rights developments in Canada. become aware of the legal rights and responsibilities of citizens. develop critical thinking and rigorous approaches to research. use technology to conduct research.

Units : Titles and Approximate times Heritage 20 hours Unit 2 Rights and Freedoms Unit 3 Criminal law and Procedures 35 hours Unit 4 Regulation and Dispute Resolution

Unit 1 - Heritage   In this introductory unit, students develop an understanding of what law is and why societies have laws.  Historical roots are examined; the role of government, and courts are investigated.

Unit 2 – Rights and Freedoms     Students examine how rights and freedoms may differ and conflict;  identify individuals and groups who contributed to human rights; describe rights and freedoms in the Canadian Charter; procedures are described for dealing with human rights complaints

Unit 3 – Criminal Law and Procedures The main concepts of criminal law in Canada are investigated by examining the existence and classification of crimes.  Students will investigate and determine the role of the Justice system in dealing with an individual who has committed an offence through pre-trial, trial and sentencing.  An understanding of the adversarial system and rights of both the offender and victims are developed.

Unit 4 – Regulation and Dispute Resolution   Students will be studying the structure of the Canadian private law system.  Areas that will be discussed are: differences between criminal and civil law; civil procedure; civil wrongs and remedies; and family law.

Legal Statements Statement #1. A rule is the procedure and direction for conduct that your parents, teachers and group leaders expect you to _____________. A rule is not usually enforced by courts. In sports a rule is regulation that the referee and your coach expects you to ________________.

Statement #2 Law is a system of rules usually enforced through a set of institutions such as _______________ services and courts. If a person is caught breaking the law, a procedure is followed to deal with the person and the courts enforce penalties and punishments. Law regulates your behaviour and your economic, political and social activities from birth to death.

Statement #3 Laws or acts passed by a government body, such as the Canadian Parliament or Ontario provincial legislature are called __________________________ .