Difference between revisions of "Canada’s Legal System"

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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>]]
There are two kinds of law in Canada.  
Broadly speaking, laws in Canada fall into two categories: criminal law or civil law.


'''Criminal law''' deals with crimes, like assault or theft. People can go to jail if they are found guilty of a crime. The purpose of criminal law is to make sure we stay safe and secure. Criminal law is the same all across Canada. The Criminal Code of Canada lists what the crimes are and how they should be dealt with.
'''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, 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.  
'''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==  
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