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Difference between revisions of "Canada’s Legal System"
From Clicklaw Wikibooks
→Two kinds of law: Criminal law and civil law
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==Two kinds of law: Criminal law and civil law== | ==Two kinds of law: Criminal law and civil law== | ||
[[File:Criminal law cover book.jpg | left| frame | link= | <span style="font-size:60%;">Copyright www.shutterstock.com</span>]] | [[File:Criminal law cover book.jpg | left| frame | link= | <span style="font-size:60%;">Copyright www.shutterstock.com</span>]] | ||
Broadly speaking, laws in Canada fall into two categories: criminal law or civil law. | |||
'''Criminal law''' deals with crimes, like assault or theft. | '''Criminal law''' deals with crimes, like assault or theft. The ''Criminal Code'' is the main law setting out what amounts to a crime and how it should be dealt with. This law is the same all across Canada. The purpose of criminal law is to make sure people stay safe and secure. If someone is charged and found guilty of a crime, they face legal consequences ranging from a discharge, to a fine, to time in jail. | ||
'''Civil law''' deals with all other legal issues, like having a contract with someone | '''Civil law''' deals with all other legal issues, like having a contract with someone or buying property. Family law is another kind of civil law. The purpose of civil law is to make sure that we are fair in our dealings with each other. | ||
==The courts apply the laws== | ==The courts apply the laws== | ||
