Introduction to the Legal System
This introduction to the Canadian legal system explores our nations’ political and legal structures and processes within its constitutional framework, and the institutions that have been developed to resolve legal disputes.
This course will examine key aspects of the Canadian constitutional structure, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other human rights provisions. The course will also introduce students to the court structure and litigation process, including the role of judges, counsel and parties, as well as the divisions or categories of law in our common law system.
The student will also be introduced to the alternatives to proceeding to trial (negotiation, mediation and arbitration) and the reforms that have been made to further encourage people to retain control of and resolve their own disputes. As well there will be a discussion of the use of tribunals by government to make decisions and resolve disputes in the process of carrying out many and various legislative schemes.
Finally, students will be introduced to some basic principles of law in the areas of real and personal property, forms of business organization and consumer protection law.