Department of Canadian & World Studies
John Cabot Catholic Secondary School
CLU 3M1
Understanding Canadian Law
University/College Preparation
Instructor:
Period:
Room Number:
Course Overview:
This course explores elements of Canadian law that are relevant to students as they prepare to enter the labour
force. To develop an appreciation of the Canadian legal system, students examine the historical roots of
Canadian law and expand on their understanding of the role of government in making laws. Students will also
become familiar with the rights and freedoms that all Canadians enjoy as a result of the Canadian Charter.
Students acquire a practical knowledge of Canada’s legal system, both criminal and civil, and learn how to
analyze legal issues. They are given opportunities to develop informed opinions on legal issues and to defend
those opinions and communicate legal knowledge in a variety of ways and settings, including mock trials and
debates.
Specific Strands of Study and Expectations include:
 Heritage
By the end of this course, students will
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Examine different groups to determine types of rules; explain the difference between rules and
law
Describe the connection between religion, morality and law; examine purposes of law
Summarize historical sources of Canadian law; explain meaning of “rule of law”
Explain how statutes are developed and passed into law
Explain differences between civil and criminal law; compare common law and statute law
Identify the traditional categories of law
 Rights and Freedoms
By the end of this course, students will
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Investigate the development of rights and freedoms in Canada;
Identify the rights and freedoms outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and
explain how to exercise them; learn how rights may be limited under the Charter
Examine the Catholic Church’s views on the role of government in rights enforcement
 Criminal Law and Procedures
By the end of this course, students will
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Define and understand the elements of a crime
Describe the criminal trial process;
Identify the sentencing options available to Judges in the criminal trial or provincial
prosecution;
Explain how criminal and provincial laws apply to young people.
 Regulation and Dispute Resolution
By the end of this course, students will
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Describe the process for taking a civil case to trial and resolution;
Describe how the law applies to family matters;
Describe the role of law in everyday contractual matters;
Describe how the law may serve people who are intentionally or unintentionally injured or
harmed by others;
Describe the role of law in the workplace.
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students in order to ensure
these expectations are being met.
Mark Breakdown:
Course Breakdown
Unit One: Heritage
20 hours
Unit Two: Rights and Freedoms
20 hours
Efforts
will be
made
to meet the
Unit Three:
Criminal
Law
and Procedures
individual
learning
35 hours
to ensure these expectations are being met.
Unit Four: Regulation and Dispute Resolution
35 hours
Unit Five: Methods of Legal Inquiry
Throughout
Marks will be recorded according to the
following competencies:
Knowledge/ Understanding
20%
Thinking/ Inquiry
25%
Communication
25%
needs
of students in order
Application
30%
Furthermore, evaluation is divided as:
Term Work 70%
Summative work of 30% - Summative
works consists of the Final Exam
(20%)and a Culminating Activity (10%)
Resources:
The course will use a variety of resources including video, CD-ROM, the Internet and a variety of print sources. The
textbook All About Law – Sixth Edition will be distributed to students. The text and all other resources assigned to students
are the responsibility of the student. Any damage or loss incurred will result in payment for replacement. The replacement
cost is $80.00.
Evaluation Policy
Students will be assessed & evaluated according to the work produced & skills displayed. Methods of providing feedback
will include assessing work in process & evaluating completed assignments, tests, co-operative learning activities,
simulations and presentations. Peer & self-evaluations will also be utilized.
Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product according to 4 categories & 4 levels. Please see the chart
below for specific skills and key words used to determine student competency in the different categories.
Category
Level
Knowledge/Understanding

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Knowledge of facts & terms
Understanding of concepts & relationships
Thinking/Inquiry
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Critical thinking skills
Creative thinking skills
Inquiry Skills
Communication

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Communication of ideas and information
Use of symbols & visuals
Oral & written communication
Level 1:
50-59%
Level 2:
60-69%
Level 3:
70-79%
Level 4:
80-100%
-Limited
display of
knowledge,
skills and
ability to
apply
concepts
-Some
success in
displaying
knowledge,
skills and
application
of concepts
-Considerable
display of
knowledge
skills and
ability to apply
concepts
-Thorough
understanding
of concepts
and ability to
communicate,
think
creatively &
apply
concepts
Application

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Applications in familiar contexts
Transfer of concepts to new contexts
Making logical conclusions and predictions
Use of technology
Making connections
Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills like working independently, team work, organization, work
habits and homework, and initiative are assessed independently student achievement and will be conducted through the use
of a rubric indicating specific criteria to be achieved to receive each of the following letter grades:
E –Excellent
Other Evaluation Issues
G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
LATE ASSIGNMENTS – assignments submitted after the Primary Due Date established by the teacher will be accepted with a
penalty of 5% off for the first day late and 2% for subsequent days to a maximum of 10%. This four day Penalty Zone is the
maximum time allowed for submissions. The fourth day after the assignment is due is considered the Closure Date upon
which no further assignments will be accepted. If the teacher returns the marked assignments within the four day penalty
zone, the date of return is considered the closure date. Repeated lateness in submissions indicates poor organization skills
and will result in parental contact and will be reflected in the learning skills section of the report card.
INCOMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS – assignments will be graded according to the extent with which they meet the criteria
established in the rubric or evaluation structure.
MISSED TESTS – Tests missed with a legitimate reason will be written within a few days of the student returning from the
absence. Student eligibility to write the test and the date of writing will be at the discretion of the teacher in consultation
with the department head.
CULMINATING ACTIVITIES – These activities will be due toward the end of the course. They are valued between 5 and 15
percent of the final mark and will reflect course material and competencies not otherwise reflected on the final exam.