‹ The Justice System

The Justice System p. 36

  • Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. In criminal matters, a person is innocent until proven guilty. p. 36
  • The government must respect all of a person's legal rights. Due process means the government must respect every legal right a person has. p. 36
  • Everyone, including judges, politicians and police officers. No one is exempt: the law covers judges, politicians and police too. p. 36
  • Courts settle disputes and police enforce the laws. Laws are made by elected representatives, courts settle disputes and police enforce the law. p. 36
  • Laws are applied impartially. She represents justice that is blind to everything except the facts. p. 36
  • Keep order and settle disputes peacefully. Laws give order to society, a peaceful way to resolve disputes, and express Canadians' values. p. 36

Courts p. 37

  • The Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court in the country. p. 37
  • Matters concerning the federal government. The Federal Court deals with matters that involve the federal government. p. 37
  • Civil cases involving small sums of money. Small claims courts hear civil cases about small amounts of money. p. 37
  • Court of King's Bench. The guide (2021) says Court of Queen's Bench or Supreme Court; since 2022 Queen's Bench courts are called King's Bench. p. 37
  • Provincial courts. Provincial courts handle lesser offences; there are also family, traffic and small claims courts. p. 37
  • Family court. Besides higher courts, there are family, traffic and small claims courts. p. 37

Police p. 37

  • Ontario and Quebec. Ontario and Quebec have provincial police; the RCMP serves the other provinces. p. 37
  • Yes, most forces have a complaints process. Almost every police force has a way for people to raise concerns. p. 37
  • Everywhere except Ontario and Quebec. The RCMP is the provincial police everywhere except Ontario and Quebec. p. 37
  • Federal laws. The RCMP enforces federal laws across the country. p. 37
  • When someone has stolen something from you. You can ask the police for help after an accident, a theft, an assault, or if someone goes missing. p. 37
  • They are there to help you. The police keep people safe and are there to help. p. 37

Getting legal help p. 37

  • Use free or low-cost legal aid. Most communities have legal aid services at no cost or low cost. p. 37
  • By advising you and acting for you in court. Lawyers advise on legal problems and can represent you in court. p. 37

Discover Canada, pp. 36–37. MapleQuiz summary, not official text. Read this chapter on canada.ca