An Intro to Law…

Test your Knowledge

Who is Canada’s Minister of Justice?

Who is Canada’s Minister of Justice?

• Peter MacKay (Conservative) Central Nova

You will often see criminal cases referred to as R. v. “Accused.” What do you

think the “R.” stands for?

You will often see criminal cases referred to as R. v. “Accused.” What do you

think the “R.” stands for?

• R refers to Ren / Regina… King / Queen (1425–75; late Middle English < Latin)

In a criminal case, how many people sit on a jury?

In a criminal case, how many people sit on a jury?

• In Canada, a criminal law jury is made up of 12 jurors selected from among citizens of the province or territory in which the court is located. Generally, any adult Canadian citizen is qualified to be considered for jury duty. The provinces determine the precise way of selecting jurors.

What does it mean when a person commits perjury?

What does it mean when a person commits perjury?

• A crime that occurs when an individual willfully makes a false statement during a judicial proceeding, after he or she has taken an oath to speak the truth.

Can you name two Canadians who were wrongfully convicted?

Can you name two Canadians who were wrongfully convicted?

• James Driskell • Anthony Hanemaayer • Donald Marshall Jr. • Simon Marshall • David Milgaard • Guy Paul Morin • William Mullins-Johnson • Romeo Phillion • Thomas Sophonow • Steven Truscott • Kyle Unger • Erin Walsh

How many years in prison must a person serve in Canada before being eligible for parole for the offence of first-degree murder?

How many years in prison must a person serve in Canada before being eligible for parole for the offence of first-degree murder?

• At 1/3 of sentence, or 7 years, whichever is less. For offenders serving a life sentence, parole eligibility is set by the Court at the time of sentencing. For first degree murder, eligibility is automatically set at 25 years, and for second degree murder, eligibility may be set at between 10 to 25 years.

What Canadian Prime Minister was responsible for patriating the

Canadian Constitution? What does “patriating” mean?

What Canadian Prime Minister was responsible for patriating the

Canadian Constitution? What does “patriating” mean?

• Pierre Elliot Trudeau (Liberal PM 1968-1984)

• a colloquial term used in Canada to describe the process leading to a specific constitutional change in 1982.

When and where was the British North America Act passed?

When and where was the British North America Act passed?

• 1867 London, England

How long must a couple be separated in Canada before they can apply for a divorce?

How long must a couple be separated in Canada before they can apply for a divorce?

• One year

What is a tort?

What is a tort?

• Tort law is a vast area of private law that has evolved over the years to keep up with technology and social issues.

• Tort law is used by individuals to claim compensation.

You may have hear in American TV shows the accused being

read his or her “Miranda” rights. What would this mean in

Canada?

You may have hear in American TV shows the accused being

read his or her “Miranda” rights. What would this mean in

Canada?• In Canada, the rights of an accussed are

protected under the Charter of Rights & Freedoms: Section 10(b): “everyone has the right on arrest or detention to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right.”

In Canada, at what age are you responsible for your criminal

actions?

In Canada, at what age are you responsible for your criminal

actions?• Historically, Canada followed the common law rule under

which a child could be held responsible for criminal actions starting at the age of seven, though only if the Crown could establish that the child knew that his or her acts were wrong.

• In 1983, the minimum age for criminal responsibility was raised to 12: chosen because it is generally the age of leaving elementary school, and it was felt that younger children could not understand and engage in the youth court process.

How many women are judges in the Supreme Court of Canada?

How many women are judges in the Supreme Court of Canada?

What is the name of the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada?

What is the name of the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada?

• The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada

What act protects human rights in Canada?

What act protects human rights in Canada?

• Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms

What prime minister sued the Royal Canadian Mounted Police?

Why?

What prime minister sued the Royal Canadian Mounted Police?

Why?• Brian Mulroney (after

he was PM).• Libel: a published

false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.

• Alleged he was linked to kickbacks in an Airbus deal.

Who is Canada’s head of state?

Who is Canada’s head of state?

• Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states, known as the Commonwealth realms, and their territories and dependencies, and head of the 53-member Commonwealth of Nations.

• The Queen of Canada: Queen Elizabeth II

Which country is known as the birthplace of democracy?

Which country is known as the birthplace of democracy?

• Greece