Discover Canada VideoBook
Chapter 7: The Justice System

Chapter Summary

Canada’s justice system guarantees due process under the law. In criminal matters, the system is founded on the presumption of innocence, meaning a person is innocent until proven guilty. Canada’s legal system is based on traditions that include the rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles, and due process. Due process means the government must respect the legal rights a person is entitled to under Canadian law.

​

Canada is governed by an organized system of laws - written rules made by elected representatives. The courts settle disputes and the police enforce the law. The law applies to everyone, including judges, politicians, and the police. Canada’s laws are intended to provide order and a peaceful way to settle disputes, and to express Canadian values and beliefs.

​

This chapter also outlines Canada’s court system. The Supreme Court of Canada is the country’s highest court. The Federal Court of Canada deals with matters involving the federal government. Provinces generally have an appeal court and a trial court (sometimes called the Court of Queen’s Bench or Supreme Court), plus provincial courts for lesser offences, family courts, traffic courts, and small claims courts for civil disputes involving smaller sums of money.

​

Police help keep people safe and enforce the law. You can ask police for help in many situations - accidents, theft, assault, missing persons, or when a crime is happening. Canada has different types of police services: municipal police, provincial police forces in Ontario and Quebec, and the RCMP, which enforces federal laws and serves as provincial police in most provinces and territories. Most police forces also have a process for making a complaint if you have concerns about police service or conduct.

​

Finally, the chapter explains that lawyers can help you with legal problems and represent you in court. If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid services may be available free or at low cost in many communities.

Key Points to Remember

• The justice system guarantees due process under the law.

• In criminal cases, there is a presumption of innocence.

• The rule of law means the law applies to everyone, including government officials and police.

• Laws are made by elected representatives; courts settle disputes; police enforce the law.

• The Supreme Court of Canada is Canada’s highest court.

• The Federal Court deals with matters involving the federal government.

• Provinces have trial and appeal courts, plus courts for family, traffic, and small claims.

• Police services include municipal police, provincial police (Ontario/Quebec), and the RCMP.

• You can ask police for help, and most forces have a complaint process.

• Legal aid may help if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Citizenship Test Focus

For the citizenship test, make sure you can explain these in simple terms:

​

• Presumption of innocence (innocent until proven guilty).

• Due process (government must respect legal rights).

• Rule of law (everyone is subject to the law).

• The role of courts vs police.

• Which court is the highest: Supreme Court of Canada.

• What the RCMP does and where it serves as provincial police.