1. Unit 2.6 - The Informed Citizen

2.  The Canadian courts are the judicial branch of government.  There are three branches of government : executive, legislative and judicial  The main purpose of the judicial branch is to interpret the laws made and administered by the executive and legislative branches

3.  To settle disputes between individuals – contract, property family issues  To settle disputes between individuals and government  To settle disputes between different levels of government

4.  Judges are independent and are protected from dismissal (being fired or removed from their position) – never happened in Canadian court history, but some have resigned during misconduct hearings/special meetings.  Judges can make judgments without fear of being removed if politicians do not like or agree with their decisions. This enables them to judge cases fairly and impartially.  Judges are appointed by the Canadian/provincial governments (Some American states elect judges) - Some argue that since judges are appointed by politicians, they may be chosen for their political views rather than for their merit or skill  Judges work until they resign or retire – as late as 75 years of age.

5. The federal government is in responsible for THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA THE FEDERAL COURT OF CANADA Ontario (provincial responsibility) Court of Ontario: Supreme Court of Justice, Divisional Court + (Small Claims Court) Court of Appeal in Ontario Ontario Court of Justice: Criminal Law Division, Family Court, Justice of the Peace

6.  Protects the rights of individuals and society: H O W T H I S H A P P E N S  Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty (CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS)  Court proceedings are open to the public to see that they work fairly and follow rules of law  An individual cannot be charged with breaking a law that was not in place when the offence occurred  No one can be forced to testify as a witness at his or her own trial  All accused persons have right to be represented by a lawyer, if they wish. If they cannot afford one, the government will pay for one.