1. Resolving Civil Disputes
Unit 4 – civil law

2. Let’s Recap… Civil Law Civil Law = Private Law
Regulates disputes between individuals and organization (business or government)
PURPOSE: compensate for harm done
Person may bring an action against the person who committed the civil wrong for DAMAGES (money)

3. Types of Civil Actions TORT LAW FAMILY LAW CONTRACT LAW
Injuries done by one person to another person’s body, property or reputation and claims arising from serious accidents
Mother sues school district over bullied son (breached duty of care for her son)
FAMILY LAW
Deals with all matters pertaining to family
i.e. Marriage, divorce, child custody, support claims, division of property and adoption
CONTRACT LAW
Makes & enforces agreements between two individuals
i.e. Failure to pay for work done, something bought but not yet delivered, non- payment of rent
Vancouver - Engagement Ring Contract Case
The Brick - Deal or No Deal?

4. Types of Civil Actions LABOUR LAW PROPERTY LAW
Outlines the rights & obligations of employers and employees (also called employment law)
i.e. Wrongful dismissal from work, unpaid overtime
Hussain v. Suzuki Canada Ltd- Employment Law (start at 3:19mins)
PROPERTY LAW
Deals with disputes about ownership, rights and interests in property
Nunatsiavut President - Inuit Land Claims court decision (4 mins)

5. Resolving Civil Disputes
There are three main methods of resolving civil disputes
Negotiation: the parties communicate with each other until a decision is reached
Mediation: A third part (a mediator) listens to the parties in the dispute and helps them make a decision that all will accept
Arbitration: A third part (an arbitrator) listens to the parties and makes a decision. Often, the arbitrator is a respected expert, and the parties must agree in advance to accept the arbitrator’s decision.

6. Civil Trial Procedures in Higher Courts
No Settlement can be reached, parties got to court for a trial by judge alone or judge and a civil jury of SIX people (except in small claims court – only judge)
Similar to criminal trial, plaintiff goes first, followed by defendant
Jury must consider the evidence
Doesn't have to be unanimous but you need 5 out of 6 who believe on the balance of probabilities (whose side do you feel is telling the more believable story).