Lesson 3 — Activity 2: Canada's Justice System
Completion requirements
Lesson 3 — Activity 2: Canada's Justice System
Warm Up
Justice is the act of fairness in the way people are dealt with. What does this mean and how
does a society achieve this? Not all nations support the same values and
attitudes toward justice, but justice is a very important aspect of
any democratic nation such as Canada.
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Have you ever heard of the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms? This document came into effect
in 1982 and replaced the basis of Canada's legal system that was
outlined in the Constitution Act of 1867. This charter outlines the
values and beliefs that are important to Canadians, determines the legal
rights of all Canadians, and protects our way of life. This charter
guarantees several fundamental freedoms for all Canadians. You will
study this document in a later lesson, but it is important to understand
that it plays a very large role in Canadians' concept of justice and
the legal system.
Have you ever heard of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms? This document came into effect in 1982 and replaced the basis of Canada's legal system that was outlined in the Constitution Act of 1867. This charter outlines the values and beliefs that are important to Canadians, determines the legal rights of all Canadians, and protects our way of life. This charter guarantees several fundamental freedoms for all Canadians. You will study this document in a later lesson, but it is important to understand that it plays a very large role in Canadians' concept of justice and the legal system.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms clearly states which principles are important to ensure justice for all Canadians. Canada's legal system is what ensures that these principles are followed. It includes the laws that are intended to achieve these principles, the groups who will enforce the laws, and the consequences for those who break these laws. These laws are outlined in documents covering bylaws, civil laws, and criminal laws.
Some laws have been in effect for hundreds of years and will continue to be in effect. It is no more acceptable to commit murder in the 21st century than it was in the 19th century. Some laws have been removed, others have been altered, and new laws have been made.
One reason a law may change is because it is outdated. For example, a municipal bylaw that deals with where to tie up a horse when in town would no longer be relevant in today's cities. New laws must be made to reflect changes that occur. In 1900, there was no need for provincial laws about speed limits on the highway.
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Recent advances in communications and technology have created the need for many new laws. Many of these impact your generation as they relate to things such as copying from the Internet, bullying via text messaging and social media, and using the Internet to lure minors.
Another reason that a law will change is because attitudes change. The principle of equality has brought about many new laws. Think of all the wheelchair parking spots and access ramps you see. Many of you will have an elevator in your school that can be used by those in wheelchairs. It was only in the last half of the 20th century that women received the same pay as men for doing exactly the same job.
On July 20,
2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world, and the first
country outside Europe, to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide with
the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act, which provided a gender-neutral
marriage definition.
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Although the principles of justice outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms stay the same, the laws by which justice is achieved will change.
On July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world, and the first country outside Europe, to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act, which provided a gender-neutral marriage definition.
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Self-check!
Try This!
Try the questions below on your own first, and then click on the tab to check your answers! You can look back in the lesson to find the answers.
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What is the name of the document that came into effect in 1982 in Canada?
- What is the purpose of this document?
- The document is called the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- The purpose of the document is to ensure that all citizens of Canada have certain legal rights.