The Justice System
Due process and the presumption of innocence
- The Canadian justice system guarantees everyone due process under the law.
- Our judicial system is founded on the presumption of innocence in criminal matters — everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
- Due process is the principle that the government must respect all of the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law.
- Canada's legal system is based on a heritage that includes the rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles and due process.
- The blindfolded Lady Justice symbolizes the impartial manner in which our laws are administered: blind to all considerations but the facts.
Laws
- Laws are the written rules intended to guide people in our society, and they are made by elected representatives.
- The courts settle disputes and the police enforce the laws.
- The law in Canada applies to everyone, including judges, politicians and the police.
- Our laws are intended to provide order in society and a peaceful way to settle disputes, and to express the values and beliefs of Canadians.
Courts
- The Supreme Court of Canada is our country's highest court.
- The Federal Court of Canada deals with matters concerning the federal government.
- In most provinces there is an appeal court and a trial court, sometimes called the Court of King's (or Queen's) Bench or the Supreme Court.
- There are also provincial courts for lesser offences, family courts, traffic courts and small claims courts for civil cases involving small sums of money.
Police
- The police are there to keep people safe and to enforce the law.
- You can ask the police for help if there has been an accident, if someone has stolen something from you, if you are a victim of assault, if you see a crime taking place or if someone you know has gone missing.
- There are provincial police forces in Ontario and Quebec and municipal police departments in all provinces.
- The RCMP enforce federal laws throughout Canada and serve as the provincial police in all provinces and territories except Ontario and Quebec, as well as in some municipalities.
- You can question the police about their service or conduct. Almost all police forces have a process by which you can bring your concerns and seek action.
Getting legal help
- Lawyers can help you with legal problems and act for you in court.
- If you cannot pay for a lawyer, most communities have legal aid services available free of charge or at a low cost.
Question 1 of 10
What do the courts do, and what do the police do?
Correct answer: The courts settle disputes; the police enforce the laws
Source from the guide
“The courts settle disputes and the police enforce the laws.”
The courts settle disputes and the police enforce the laws.
Discover Canada · about page 36Discover Canada — Large Print · page 75
Question 2 of 10
What is due process?
Correct answer: The government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to
Source from the guide
“Due process is the principle that the government must respect all of legal rights a person is entitled to under the law.”
The principle that the government must respect all of the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law.
Discover Canada — Large Print · page 75
Question 3 of 10
What does the Federal Court of Canada deal with?
Correct answer: Matters concerning the federal government
Source from the guide
“The Federal Court of Canada deals with matters concerning the federal government.”
Matters concerning the federal government.
Discover Canada · about page 36Discover Canada — Large Print · page 76
Question 4 of 10
What is Canada's highest court?
Correct answer: The Supreme Court of Canada
Source from the guide
“The Supreme Court of Canada is our country's highest court.”
The Supreme Court of Canada.
Discover Canada · about page 36Discover Canada — Large Print · page 76
Question 5 of 10
What does the presumption of innocence mean in practice?
Correct answer: Everyone is innocent until proven guilty
Source from the guide
“… the presumption of innocence in criminal matters, meaning everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”
Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
Discover Canada · about page 36Discover Canada — Large Print · page 75
Question 6 of 10
What does the blindfolded Lady Justice symbolize?
Correct answer: Impartiality — blind to all considerations but the facts
Source from the guide
“The blindfolded Lady Justice symbolizes the impartial manner in which our laws are administered: blind to all considerations but the facts.”
The impartial manner in which our laws are administered: blind to all considerations but the facts.
Discover Canada · about page 36Discover Canada — Large Print · page 75
Question 7 of 10
To whom does the law in Canada apply?
Correct answer: Everyone, including judges, politicians and the police
Source from the guide
“The law in Canada applies to everyone, including judges, politicians and the police.”
Everyone, including judges, politicians and the police.
Discover Canada — Large Print · page 75
Question 8 of 10
What can lawyers do for you?
Correct answer: Help with legal problems and act for you in court
Source from the guide
“Lawyers can help you with legal problems and act for you in court.”
Help you with legal problems and act for you in court.
Discover Canada · about page 36Discover Canada — Large Print · page 77
Question 9 of 10
What is available in most communities if you cannot pay for a lawyer?
Correct answer: Legal aid services, free or at low cost
Source from the guide
“If you cannot pay for a lawyer, in most communities there are legal aid services available free of charge or at a low cost.”
Legal aid services, free of charge or at a low cost.
Discover Canada · about page 36Discover Canada — Large Print · page 77
Question 10 of 10
On what heritage is Canada's legal system based?
Correct answer: Rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles and due process
Source from the guide
“Canada's legal system is based on a heritage that includes the rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles and due process.”
The rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles and due process.
Discover Canada · about page 36Discover Canada — Large Print · page 75
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