LAW30-FL1
Evaluate the purpose and function of law in societies.
Indicators for this outcome
(a) Identify the influence of societal worldviews on the organization of historical and contemporary legal systems (e.g., Indigenous legal systems, Sharia law, Mosaic law, Hammurabi’s law code, Law of the Prairie).
(b) Debate whether the primary function of law is to create order or provide freedoms for members of its society.
(c) Predict the consequences of a society without laws.
(d) Explain why the rule of law is a fundamental principle in democratic societies and relate it to examples in Canadian society.
(e) Identify examples of ways in which law is a part of everyday life in Canada.
(f) Examine the difference between equality and equity as they relate to the concepts of justice and the application of laws.
(g)

Investigate elements that influence Canada’s legal system such as:

  • the Constitution Act (Constitution) (1982) including The Charter of Rights and Freedoms;
  • the idea of cooperative federalism such as the division of powers and jurisdictional responsibilities between the federal government, the provinces and the territories;
  • treaties (e.g., the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child [1989], the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [UNDRIP] [2007], the numbered treaties in Canada [1871-1921]);
  • the Indian Act (1876);
  • Canadian case law; and,
  • worldviews (e.g., beliefs, customs, philosophy, religion).
(h) Examine how the historical roots of law in Canada stem from Indigenous legal systems, British common law and the Civil Code of Québec (1991).
(i) Compare the purposes and functions of law and the justice system in Canadian society today with traditional Indigenous approaches to law and justice (e.g., restorative vs. punitive justice).
(j) Debate criteria for just laws and systems of justice and apply to scenarios and case studies.
(k) Examine safeguards (e.g., impartial and independent judiciary, jury of one’s peers, right to counsel, presumption of innocence, courts of equity, right to appeal) in law that should protect Canadians from abuse of power by the state and ensure fairness.
(l) Examine the role of judges in the Canadian judicial system.
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R104556
PLEA’s Law 30 Resource Portal
This web portal created by Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan is designed to link Law 30 curricular outcomes and indicators to available PLEA resources.
Media and Formats : Website
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
Record posted/updated: December 10, 2021
R005868
Does Canada Have a Jury Problem?
In the aftermath of Gerald Stanley's acquittal, friends and family of Colten Boushie raised concerns about how Canada's juries are selected and whether race plays a role in getting a fair trial.
Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
fnmicontent
rovervideo
Record posted/updated: February 23, 2022
R011813
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality
The author explains how the Indian Act has limited the opportunities for Indigenous peoples in the areas of self-government, self-determination and self-reliance, and how it continues to reinforce stereotypes. The importance of learning about the legacy and complex issues surrounding the Indian Act is emphasized if Canadians want to progress toward true reconciliation.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $19.95
Record posted/updated: February 22, 2022
R002162
A History of Law in Canada. Volume One: Beginnings to 1866
This book explores the history of the Canadian legal system. It shows how historical systems, precedents and statutes have influenced today's laws and practices. It is Volume One of Two.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : See publisher.
Record posted/updated: May 10, 2022
R006343
Tougher Impaired Driving Laws Raise Concerns About Targeting
Since new impaired driving laws no longer require that law enforcement officers have reasonable grounds to request a breath sample, advocates for civil liberties are concerned about whether this change will lead to the targeting of drivers from visible minorities.
Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
rovervideo
Record posted/updated: February 23, 2022
R011806
Truth and Conviction: Donald Marshall Jr. and the Mi'kmaw Quest for Justice
This well-researched book tells the compelling story of Donald Marshall Jr., who was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1971, when he was 17 years old. It describes his years in prison, his eventual acquittal, and the recommendations of the Royal Commission inquiry into the many injustices he had experienced in the criminal justice system. It also documents his subsequent fight for fishing and treaty rights and explains his legacy related to Mi’kmaw legal principles, justice, treaty rights, self-determination and reconciliation.
(More information)
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $34.95
Record posted/updated: July 12, 2021
R011811
By Law or In Justice: The Indian Specific Claims Commission and the Struggle for Indigenous Justice
This scholarly resource is a comprehensive analysis of the work, legacy and federal government treatment of the Indian Specific Claims Commission (ICC), which was formed in 1991 in response to the Oka crisis to resolve claims related to treaty promises, the Indian Act and other Crown obligations. In 2009, the ICC was replaced by the Specific Claims Tribunal. The author calls for the need to re-examine and address the real problems of the justice system in Canada to resolve treaty and Indian Act claims injustices and more.
(More information)
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $32.95
Record posted/updated: July 12, 2021
R028357
Corrections in Canada: Principles and Practice
This textbook provides an in-depth examination of the field of corrections in Canada. The resource contains case studies that depict some of the challenges faced by corrections workers.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $88.00
Record posted/updated: December 22, 2021
R011036
A Brief Introduction to Law in Canada
This resource examines the key processes and institutions of Canadian law. Also discussed are Canada's legal history, the Canadian Constitution, careers in law and the core categories of law, such as: property law, family law, business and consumer law, administrative law and criminal law.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $80.00
Record posted/updated: February 23, 2022
R003925
Gender, Power, and Representations of Cree Law
Written by Emily Snyder, assistant professor in the Department of Indigenous Studies and the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at the University of Saskatchewan, this book provides a unique perspective into traditional Indigenous law and restorative justice. It examines the role of gender within the establishment of Cree law and how Cree women are represented in a limited capacity.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $34.95
Record posted/updated: July 12, 2021
R011836
Law, Politics and the Judicial Process in Canada(4th ed.)
This resource provides a very detailed and complete account of the laws and politics surrounds the Canadian judicial system. It also addresses topics that might promote questioning and higher thinking pertaining to the role of Canadian judges. There are case studies included on a variety of issues that could be adapted for use in the classroom.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $49.99
Record posted/updated: July 12, 2021
R032386
Criminal Law in Canada: Cases, Questions, and the Code(7th ed.)
This book provides a case-oriented approach that supports learning about criminal law in Canada. There are useful charts, figures and case studies to explore with students. The chapters include topics such as causation, subjective and objective liability, strict and absolute liability, participation in crime, criminal responsibility, provocation and intoxication, necessity and duress, self-defence and defence of property.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : See publisher.
Record posted/updated: May 10, 2022
R051179
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Resource for Teachers
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner site provides information and resources to help youth navigate and understand how privacy impacts their individual choices and lives.
Media and Formats : Website
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
Record posted/updated: December 22, 2021
R008753
Introduction to Law in Canada(2nd ed.)
This comprehensive textbook covers in depth the nature of law, common and civil law systems, Canada's Constitution, key subject areas in law and the legal profession. Chapter summaries, review questions, extension activities, case studies and colourful charts are included. Definitions are highlighted and reading lists and websites for additional information are provided.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $92.00
Record posted/updated: July 12, 2021
R012309
Breaking Free. W5
Breaking Free is a short W5 investigation into a Manitoba Indigenous man's fight to reclaim his innocence following a 1974 murder conviction. It explores issues around marginalization, poverty, and the vulnerable nature of Indigenous people in the Canadian justice system. The video provides a view into the wrongfully convicted and could be used as a springboard to further investigation and conversations.
Media and Formats : CD/DVD Video
Price : $129.95
Record posted/updated: July 12, 2021