If the content you are seeing is presented as unstyled HTML your browser is an older version that cannot support cascading style sheets. If you wish to upgrade your browser you may download Mozilla or Internet Explorer for Windows.

Legal Studies (LGST) 430
The Canadian Legal System (Revision 2)

Revision 2 closed, replaced by current version.

Delivery mode: Individualized study.

Credits: 3 - Applied Studies

Prerequisite: None.

Centre: Centre for State and Legal Studies

LGST 430 has a Challenge for Credit option.

Course website

Overview

Canada 's legal system provides the framework for the rules that govern many activities. It also provides a comprehensive system under which Canadians are given rights and incur obligations, and which allows them to resolve disputes in a peaceful manner. This course examines the basic concepts, principles, and precedents on which Canada's legal system is based.

Legal Studies 430 should help you appreciate that Canadians live in an ordered society, meaning there is predictability in people's social interactions. The course also encourages you to examine and critically analyse the legal process in Canada, especially as Canada's laws change over time to adjust to changes in society. Do the laws and Courts follow the social changes occurring elsewhere in society; or, are the laws and the Courts instruments for social change?

Outline

The Canadian Legal System examines the following areas:

Module 1: What is Law?

  • Unit 1: Legal Theory: How Law Works in Canadian Society
  • Unit 2: Law as an Instrument of Social Change

Module 2: Sources and Divisions of Canadian Law

  • Unit 3: Rule of Law: Description and Role in Canada
  • Unit 4: Sources of Law: Brief History of the Canadian Legal System
  • Unit 5: Divisions of Law: Public Law and Private Law
  • Unit 6: The Role of Precedent in Common Law
  • Unit 7: Basic Rules of Statutory Interpretation

Module 3: Canada's Constitution

  • Unit 8: Canada's Constitution: Basic Information and Division of Powers
  • Unit 9: Charter of Rights and Freedoms
  • Unit 10: Human Rights in Canada

Module 4: Courts in Canada

  • Unit 11: The Structure of Canada's Courts
  • Unit 12: The Role of Judges, Judicial Independence, Judicial Immunity
  • Unit 13: The Role of Lawyers
  • Unit 14: Access to Justice

Module 5: Resolving Disputes Outside of Courts

  • Unit 15: Administrative Tribunals
  • Unit 16: Alternative Dispute Resolution

Module 6: New Directions and Future Trends in the Canadian Legal System

  • Unit 17: Critique

Evaluation

To receive credit for LGST 430, you must obtain a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent), and at least 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Assignments 1 to 4
(10% each)
Assignment 5 Final Exam Total
40% 30% 30% 100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Other Materials

The course materials include a student manual, study guide, assignments, a reading file, and forms.