Justice
Chapter 7 of 10 in the official guide, Discover Canada (“The Justice System”). This summary is ours: it does not replace the guide.
The justice system protects everyone, including from the state. A few principles and institutions are enough for this chapter.
The principles
- The rule of law: no one is above the law, not governments, not the police, not judges.
- The presumption of innocence: an accused person is innocent until proven guilty.
- Due process: the government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to.
The courts
- The Supreme Court of Canada is the country's highest court.
- The Federal Court deals with matters concerning the federal government.
- Many provinces have small claims courts for disputes involving small sums of money.
- Legal aid offers free or low-cost services to people who cannot afford a lawyer.
The police
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) enforces federal laws across the country.
- It serves as the provincial police everywhere except Ontario and Quebec, which have the Ontario Provincial Police and the Sûreté du Québec.
- You can file a complaint if the police have treated you badly.
1 free question to test yourself
Question 1 of 1
Justice
What does the presumption of innocence mean?
In Canada, everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Show the answer
C. Everyone accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty In Canada, everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.