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The judicial branch of government is responsible for interpreting and applying the law.

The judicial branch includes the court system:

• Supreme Court of Canada
  
  
• federal courts
  
  
• provincial courts
  

These three courts comprise the third branch of government. The judicial branch also ensures peace, order, and good government for all Canadians. The judicial branch is responsible to ensure the rights of Canadians are respected. The judges interpret the laws and apply them to specific situations.

judicial branch: the part of government that interprets and applies the law by making final legal judgments

Vocabulary

Record the definition for judicial branch in your Issues for Canadians Definitions handout.

Save the updated handout to your Activities folder.

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Read the cartoon tour on pages 34 and 35 of your textbook, Issues for Canadians, as you begin your introduction to the role of the Supreme Court of Canada.

The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court in Canada. It is considered the court of last resort because it hears appeals of civil, criminal, and constitutional cases that have been tried in lower courts.

For example, a civil case may deal with matters of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. At other times, the Supreme Court of Canada may be asked by the government to respond to constitutional concerns.

The judges of the Supreme Court are highly respected and experienced. When a Supreme Court judge retires, a list of nominations for this special role is developed. A committee of Members of Parliament from all political parties produces a final short list of three judges to nominate. The prime minister makes the final selection.

Canada's Supreme Court has nine judges: three are from Ontario, three are from Québec, two are from the Western provinces, and one is from Atlantic Canada.

The odd number of judges in the Supreme Court ensures that a tie cannot occur in judgment.

In the Supreme Court of Canada, there is one Chief Justice and eight puisne judges.

puisne: ranked after or below the Chief Justice; an associate judge

 Vocabulary

Record the definition for puisne on your Issues for Canadians Definitions handout.

As you complete the activities in this section, try to use the word puisne in context. As you continue to use new vocabulary, the words become part of your personal dictionary.

Save your updated handout to your Activities folder.

The rule of law states that everyone is protected by the law and that everyone must follow the law. The government enacts laws to solve problems; protect citizens; promote health and safety, the economy, and the environment; regulate wages and working conditions; and protect family life.

How are these laws made? The process can be complex and begins with the writing of a bill. First, a bill must be presented, usually in the House of Commons.

To begin your investigation, tour the process by reading the information in the document, How A Law Is Made by clicking on the link below.

How a Law is Made

As you progress through the stages of a bill becoming a law, take notes about what occurs in each stage.

Save your notes to your Activities folder.


Many Canadians have multiple views and perspectives on issues relating to the law. They identify problems in Canadian society and government. They can become involved in the process of making laws.

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