Welcome!

Welcome to your CLU3M course, Understanding Canadian Law. In this course, you will explore Canadian law and uncover legal issues that are relevant to the lives of people in Canada. You will also work on developing your skills in legal thinking. As you move through the learning activities, you will recognize some areas of law that have already impacted your life and learn about other areas of law that may be new to you. By the end of this course you will be able to identify and understand the legal significance of various legal principles, cases, and events; you will gain an understanding of how the law is continuously changing to reflect an evolving society; you will be able to identify and understand the variety of relationships that operate, exist, and influence law within Canada; and you will have developed the knowledge and understanding of key legal principles required to examine legal issues through a legal lens.

In the first unit of this course, you will spend time exploring the factors and history that have shaped Canadian law. It is important to recognize that the law is fluid. It is always changing to reflect our society, beliefs, legislation, and other court decisions. Because of this, it is important to be aware of the law and how it impacts our lives every day. In subsequent units, you will be exploring criminal law, civil law, and human rights issues.

Martin Luther King, Jr delivering a speech in Washington, D.C.
Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering a speech in Washington, D.C.

At the end of Unit 4, you will submit a culminating assessment worth 15% of your mark. This assessment will have you propose an amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada, explain why, determine how your new amendment might influence certain groups, and compose a letter to a Member of Parliament. You will have several opportunities to review, practice, and refine these skills throughout the course.

Because the law is based on opinion, communication plays an important role. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to record your thoughts, conduct research, and reflect on your own thinking about Canadian law. Make sure to access these opportunities, as this will help broaden your perspectives.

In your first learning activity, you’re going to examine a definition of law and then consider how law manifests in everyday life. By the end of this learning activity, you will have a good understanding of how many areas of law there are, the difference between rules and laws, and how laws have changed over time. So, let's begin!

To stimulate your thinking, and before you start examining law in everyday life, consider the following quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., where he explains his view about law and order and its place in society.

“Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in that purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.”


– Martin Luther King, Jr., American Civil Rights Activist

Notebook

Join the discussion icon

You will need a notebook to complete a variety of tasks in this course. These tasks include answers to questions, graphic organizers, paragraph responses, and point-form notes. You can choose a physical notebook or a digital notebook – perhaps even both. Note-taking is important as it is a way for you to demonstrate what you have learned.

Your notebook is also useful to capture thoughts and reflections about your learning, how you learn, your motivation, perseverance, questions, goal setting, and more. It is your space to support your learning. You can add artifacts (printouts, graphic organizers, readings) from the course as needed.

Now consider the following questions and record your answers in your notebook.

  1. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered for the way that he tried to end racial segregation in the U.S. South in the 1950s and 1960s. What do you think he is referring to in the quote you just examined? What do you think he means?
  2. Consider current events where you live. How does The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s statement apply?

Acknowledgements (Opens in a new window)

Osgoode Hall, Toronto. Home of the Ontario Court of Appeal (provincial jurisdiction).

Osgoode Hall, Toronto – Home of the Ontario Court of Appeal (provincial jurisdiction)

Law in everyday life

Canada has laws that affect its people every day. Whether you are hoping to rent an apartment, sell a house, get married, adopt a child, apply for a driver’s license, start a new job, need time off from work to care for an elderly parent, or are stopped by a police officer, all these actions require you to abide by the laws that are currently in place in Canada.

Do you recall the term 'jurisdiction'? Simply put, 'jurisdiction' is the idea that each level of government (municipal, provincial, and federal) has legal responsibilities for specific portfolios.

The Supreme Court of Canada (federal jurisdiction) viewed from the Ottawa River.

The Supreme Court of Canada (federal jurisdiction) viewed from the Ottawa River

Renfrew County Courthouse, Pembroke, Ontario (municipal jurisdiction).

Renfrew County Courthouse, Pembroke, Ontario (municipal jurisdiction)

Think

Think icon

Why do you think that we need three levels of government to administer laws in Canada?

Press the following tabs to learn more about additional ways that Canadian law may have impacted your life today.

Waking up this morning to the radio, you are reminded that Canadian law tells radio stations how much Canadian content they have to play. You get out of bed and hop into the shower. The law ensures that the water you're using is safe. You get dressed and cook breakfast, knowing that the law is making sure that the food you're eating is safe.

Arriving at work, you begin your job. Canadian labour law ensures that the conditions that you are asked to work in, and the things that you are asked to do, are both safe. The law also determines the minimum amount that you'll be paid and the maximum number of hours that you can work.

The law also dictates how your employer has to treat you. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms makes sure that no one treats you differently because of your age, your gender identity, your culture, your religion, or your sexual orientation.

In Canada, the law ensures that you are eligible to receive a number of services, including health care, education, and social security.

(Note: It is important to remember that in order to afford all of these services, the Canadian government legally collects a variety of taxes.)

Notebook

Notebook icon

Thinking about your own experiences, what is one law that is very important to you? Why is this law important to you? Use your notebook to record your answers.

Try it!

Try it icon

For each of the following scenarios, select the law that corresponds to each case from the options provided. Then press Submit to check your understanding.

How did you do? You’ll notice that some laws are determined by the federal government, some by the provincial government, and some by municipal authorities. You’ll learn much more about the different laws in Ontario and Canada as you progress through the course.

Areas of law in Canada

Another way to assess the scope of the laws that protect and govern your everyday life is to consider them in a list. Using your Internet browser, enter the search terms "areas of law in Canada." You’ll find a list that defines approximately 17 areas of law in Canada, starting with “Aboriginal law.” Take a few minutes to examine the areas that interest you. Then, examine some of the areas of law in Canada that you will be studying in this course. Press the following tabs to know more.

Criminal law

Criminal law deals with any matters related to the Criminal Code of Canada and other provincial standards. Cases that fall under Criminal law generally involve someone who is accused of breaking the law.

Constitutional law

Constitutional law involves being an expert on how the government interacts with citizens, and how the governments interact amongst themselves. There have been examples of Constitutional law in Canada on the two occasions when Québec tried to separate from Canada, most recently in 1995. Because the process was unclear, the federal government passed a law that set out a number of criteria that Québec (or any other province) had to meet before it would be allowed to leave Confederation.

Tort law

Tort law deals with issues where someone has been hurt or property has been damaged. A "tort" occurs when someone commits an act that causes harm to a person or infringes on a person's rights. For example, in 2000, the town of Walkerton's water supply became infected with bacteria. The people of Walkerton could have sued the company or organization involved (in this case, the government) for providing them with water that was unsafe.

Family law

Family law is wide-ranging and covers anything that has to do with the relationship between people in immediate relationships. The Marriage Act, which lays down the process involved in becoming legally married, is an example of family law.

Contract law

Contract law refers to laws that govern the relationship between people or parties involved in contracts. Think about a contract that you've entered into with a company to provide you with phone, Internet, or television service. Contract law defines the obligations of each party (for example, the company will provide the requested service and you will pay the bill when it is due) and describes what could happen if either party failed to provide the services that they agreed to provide.

Labour law

Labour law deals with issues specific to the relationship between employers and employees. Some labour laws ensure that you have a safe place to work, that the work that you're being asked to do is safe, and that you are not paid less than the minimum amount. Labour law also governs what happens when employers and employees are negotiating a contract and what happens if they fail to reach an agreement.

Property law

Property law deals with the fact that, as someone who lives somewhere, you have the right to enjoy your property and can expect to have a certain level of freedom on your property. The Trespass to Property Act is an example of a property law, as it places restrictions on which individuals can visit your property, and describes what you can do if someone is visiting your property and you want them to leave.

Aboriginal law

Aboriginal law is a body of law, made by the courts and legislatures, that largely deals with the unique constitutional rights of Indigenous Peoples and the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown. Aboriginal law is largely found in colonial instruments and court decisions, but also includes sources of Indigenous law.

Indigenous law

Indigenous law consists of legal orders which are rooted in Indigenous societies themselves. It arises from communities and First Nation groups across the country, such as Nuu-Chah-Nulth, Haida, Coast Salish, Tsimshian, Heiltsuk, and may include relationships to the land, the spirit world, creation stories, customs, processes of deliberation and persuasion, codes of conduct, rules, teachings, and axioms for living and governing.

A lot to think about! Have you ever been involved with any of these areas of law? Think about the ways in which your life is shaped by laws. Everyone has had their experience shaped by laws. Even the fact that you’re taking this course right now is proof that laws affect day-to-day routines.

Specific laws require specialized knowledge

Each of the areas of law you’ve just examined requires specialized knowledge. For example, if you were to attend law school, you’d be asked to choose which area of law you’d like to specialize in. Because of the subtle differences in laws, and the fact that legal cases decide important issues, it is important that lawyers (and anyone working within the legal system) be very familiar with both the subject area and the specific sets of laws.

Discover more

Discover more icon

Use the browser of your choice to search different areas of law. You may search using key phrases like “List of different areas of law” or “Different Canadian laws.” Explore some of the ones that interest you. You probably never thought that there would be so many, or that areas such as advertising law and sports law would be included.

Cyberlaw word cloud

Notebook

At the beginning of this learning activity, you examined the following quote from Martin Luther King Jr.:

Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in that purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.

- Martin Luther King, Jr., American Civil Rights Activist

Based on your learning, answer the following questions in your notebook.

  1. After this learning activity, has your understanding of his quote changed?
  2. What two pieces of advice would he give Canadian society today?

Self-check quiz

Quiz icon

Check your understanding!

Complete the following self-check quiz to determine where you are in your learning and what areas you need to focus on.

This quiz is for feedback only, not part of your grade. You have unlimited attempts on this quiz. Take your time, do your best work, and reflect on any feedback provided.

Press Quiz to access this tool.

Based on your answers, reach out to your academic officer for additional support as needed.

Connecting to transferable skills

Recently, Ontario worked with other provinces in Canada to outline a set of competencies that are requirements to thrive. Ontario then developed its transferable skills framework as a set of skills for students to develop over time. These competencies are ones that are important to have in order to be successful in today’s world.

Read through the framework and the student look-fors (Opens in new window). Copy this document into your notes - you'll refer to it in each unit.


Definition

Critical thinking and problem solving involve examining complex issues and problems from a variety of different points of view in order to make informed judgments and decisions. Learning is deeper when the experiences are meaningful, real world, and authentic.

Look fors

Students consistently:

  • solve meaningful, real-life problems;
  • take steps to organize, design, and manage projects using inquiry processes;
  • analyze information to make informed decisions;
  • see patterns, make connections, and transfer learning from one situation to another;
  • see the connections between social, economic, and ecological systems.


Definition

Innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship involve the ability to turn ideas into action to meet the needs of a community. The ability to contribute new-to-the-world thinking and solutions to solve complex problems involves leadership, risk taking, and independent/unconventional thinking. Experimenting with new strategies, techniques, and perspectives through research is part of this skill set.

Look fors

Students consistently:

  • formulate insightful questions to generate opinions;
  • take risks in thinking; experiment to find new ways of doing things;
  • demonstrate leadership in a range of creative projects;
  • motivate others in an ethical and entrepreneurial spirit.


Definition

Self-directed learning means: becoming aware and demonstrating ownership in your learning. Belief in your ability to learn (growth mindset), combined with strategies for planning, monitoring, and reflecting on your past, present, and future goals promote lifelong learning, well-being, and adaptability in an ever-changing world.

Look fors

Students consistently:

  • are aware of how they learn best;
  • ask for support when needed;
  • set goals and make a plan to achieve their goals;
  • practice new skills they want to improve;
  • reflect on their own learning to determine strengths;
  • learn to adapt to change and become resilient in the face of adversity;
  • become managers of different aspects of their lives to enhance their health and overall well being.


Definition

Collaboration involves participating ethically and effectively in teams. Being versatile across different situations, roles, groups, and perspectives allows you to co-construct knowledge, meaning, content, and learn from, and with others in physical and online spaces.

Look fors

Students consistently:

  • participate in teams in respectful and positive ways;
  • learn from others; contribute to the learning of others;
  • assume various roles on a team as needed being respectful of a diversity of perspectives including Indigenous ways of knowing;
  • address disagreements and manage conflict in sensitive and constructive ways;
  • network with a variety of people and groups on an ongoing basis.


Definition

Communication involves receiving and expressing meaning (e.g., reading and writing, viewing and creating, listening and speaking) in different contexts and with different audiences and purposes. Effective communication increasingly involves understanding both local and global perspectives, including using a variety of media appropriately, responsibly, and safely with regard to your digital footprint.

Look fors

Students consistently:

  • communicate effectively in a variety of media;
  • use digital tools appropriately to create a positive digital footprint;
  • listen to understand;
  • ask effective questions;
  • understand the cultural importance of language.


Definition

Global citizenship and sustainability involve understanding diverse worldviews and perspectives in order to address political, ecological, social, and economic issues that are crucial to living in a in a sustainable world. Being aware of what it means to be an engaged citizen and how the appreciation for the diversity of people and perspectives contributes to a sustainable world are part of this skill set.

Look fors

Students consistently:

  • take actions and make responsible decisions to support the quality of life for all;
  • understand the histories, knowledge, contributions, and inherent rights of Indigenous people;
  • recognize discrimination and work to promote the principles of equity;
  • contribute to their local and global community;
  • participate in an inclusive, accountable, sustainable, and ethical manner, both in groups and in online networks.


Definition

Digital literacy involves the ability to solve problems using technology in a safe, legal, and ethically responsible manner. Digitally literate students recognize the rights and responsibilities, as well as the opportunities, that come with living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world.

Look fors

Students consistently:

  • select and use appropriate digital tools to collaborate, communicate, create, innovate, and solve problems;
  • use technology in a way that is consistent with supporting their mental health and well-being;
  • use digital tools effectively to solve problems and inform decisions;
  • demonstrate a willingness and confidence to explore new or unfamiliar digital tools and emerging technologies;
  • manage their digital footprint by engaging in social media and online communities respectfully, inclusively, safely, legally, and ethically.

The transferable skills described in these videos have been adapted from the ministry‘s definitions and descriptions that are available for viewing on the Ministry of Education‘s Curriculum and Resources site: Transferable skills(Opens in a new window)

Note the indicators that you think you will develop in this course. At the end of the course you will revisit these skills to see which ones you actually developed and if your original predictions were correct.

As you continue through this unit and the rest of the course, keep your notebook updated and be mindful of opportunities to apply and develop transferable skills.