The Canadian Legal System

Introduction The material in this section provides a foundational overview of the Canadian Legal system. It is structured into four topic areas which are discussed in varying detail below: [I] Foundations of the Canadian Legal System: The Constitution; [II] Legitimacy of the Canadian Legal System and Constitution; [III] Sources of Law; [IV] The Common Law System in Operation. A number of readings are included, as well as diagrams. Subject matters covered include: the main sources of law in Canada (legislation and case law) and how they interact; the basic categories of law (e.g. international and domestic, public and private); the institutional processes by which each type of law is created, interpreted and applied (legislative enactment and judicial decision-making); and the constitutional framework that underwrites these institutions and formally validates their creation of law. The material provided in this section is relevant not only to the other sessions of Academic Orientation but also to all of your courses in first year.