Law 12 - Course Outline 2014-2015
Welcome to Law 12! Laws abound everywhere and control and organize much of what takes place in society.
Laws impact us all throughout our lives. Therefore, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities
under the law. It is also important to understand why Canada has so many laws and what some of them are. A
broad understanding of law is a vital part of your education and an important element in maintaining a healthy
and orderly democratic society. I am confident that if you apply yourself in the course this semester that you
will truly be rewarded for your efforts. Enjoy your introduction to the world of Law and Good Luck to All of
You!!
Core Learning Outcomes For Each Unit:
1. Foundations of Law
 The role and purpose of law in society
 Law as a source of rights and responsibilities
 Development of law in Canada
 Legal processes and methods available to resolve legal disputes
2. Criminal Law
 The nature, purpose and processes of criminal law
 The implications of criminal actions
 Analyze the goals and processes of sentencing
3. Civil Law
 The purpose and foundations of Civil Law
 The nature and implications of Tort Law (including negligence and intentional torts)
 The use of contracts and the legal consequences of breach of contract
4. Family Law
 Laws related to marriage and the family
 Rights and responsibilities of partners, parents, guardians and children
 The various social issues that affect family law
Assessment and Evaluation:
Will include an on-going collection of assignments, teacher observations, small presentations, discussion and
debate, simulations, role-plays, projects, quizzes, and unit exams. Students may choose to finish the course by
either creating a Summative Personalized Learning Portfolio (accompanied by an Interview) or write the Final
Exam. A strong portfolio presentation and interview will result in the student achieving recommendation
status – they will not have to write the final exam and they will receive the grade, or one slightly higher, than
what they have achieved from their work throughout the semester.
Marks Breakdown:
Unit One (15%) Unit Two (40%) Unit Three (20%) Unit Four (10%) Final Exam (15%)
Classroom Expectations: Most of all I want everyone to feel safe and comfortable when they walk into my
room to learn each day. We will accomplish this by acting in a respectful manner at all times. I expect
students to always be respectful towards each other and try to understand that we are all different as a result
of our diverse personal experiences in life. Students should try to keep an open mind about all topics of
discussion… learning takes place in part when we realize that previously held beliefs are worth changing or
amending at times and that our feeling about what is true may not always stand the test of time. I expect
students to keep asking themselves whether or not their actions and words are respectful … this will hopefully
make Room 301 a great place to hang out and learn!!
Law 12 covers some sensitive topics, so it is extra important to participate in a MATURE manner that will
not upset other members of our class. You are welcome to share your own personal experiences when
appropriate, but otherwise approach topics from a 3rd person perspective (do not mention others in the first
person/by name). Due to the sensitive nature of some of the topics please be sure to talk to me if you have
any concerns and we can work together to make alternate arrangements if need be.
Other expectations include: trying your best, coming to class prepared, returning everything to its proper
place, listening politely when others are talking and using technology as a supportive resource in an
appropriate manner and at appropriate times. We will discuss further expectations as a class.
Students are encouraged to talk with Mr. Ververgaert to discuss difficulties they may be encountering during
the course. Appointments can be set up to talk before school, at lunchtime, or after school at the convenience of
the student and teacher. Parents are asked to call Mr. Ververgaert at the school (604-668-6668) or email him at:
rververgaert@sd38.bc.ca to discuss any questions or concerns that they may have, or send him a letter outlining
any learning concerns that their son or daughter may be challenged by.
Good Luck and have a Great Semester!!!
Student Signature __________________________________
Parent Signature __________________________________
Comments/Questions:
Law 12: Unit 1 ELO’s (Foundations of Law)
1A
1B
1C
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Describe the Principles of Law
Define law and its purpose and functions in society
Describe the divisions of law in Canadian society (substantive, procedural, public, private)
Describe the historical foundation of law
Define the concept of legal precedent
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Describe the structure and jurisdiction of the Canadian Law System
Identify the primary sources of law in Canada (common law, statute law, constitutional law)
Describe how and why laws change and the consequences of such change in society
Outline the evolution of Canada’s Constitution with reference to division of powers, rule of law, and repatriation
Identify the steps to pass laws at the federal and provincial level in Canadian society
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Describe Canadian interpretation of International Law
Describe the status of sovereign states
Identify international organizations that promote and apply international law
1D
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Describe the Development and Impact of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Human Rights and
Freedoms
Identify key elements of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Describe the Canadian Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights
*freedom of conscience and religion
*mobility rights
*freedom of thought and expression
*equality rights
*democratic rights
*language rights
Express an understanding for human rights legislation and describe various illegal instances of discrimination
*women’s rights
*rights for people with disabilities
*aboriginal rights
*rights of the poor
*gay and lesbian rights
Law 12: Unit 2 ELO’s (Criminal Law)
2A
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Describe the Principles of Criminal Law
Describe Criminal Law and its purpose (interests of state and society)
Elements that make actions criminal in nature
*Actus Reus
*Regulatory Offenses
*Mens Rea
*Attempt and Conspiracy
Types of Criminal Offenses
*Summary conviction
*Indictable
*Hybrid
Parties to an Offense
*Aiding and Abetting
*Accessory after the Fact
Violent Crimes and Areas with High Social Impact
Property Crimes
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Analyse the Processes of Criminal Law
Rights of the Accused
Arrest and Release Procedures
Citizens Rights and Search Laws
Sentencing Procedures and Objectives
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2B
2C
Describe Our Criminal Court System
Court Structure and Organization
Court Procedures
*Juries
*Jury Selection
*Presentation of Evidence
*Reaching a Verdict
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Teacher: R. Ververgaert
Steveston London Secondary
Email: rververgaert@sd38.bc.ca
Law 12: Unit 3 ELO’s (Civil and Contract Law)
3A
3B
3C
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Describe how Civil Disputes are Resolved
Civil Courts
Civil Trial Procedures
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Describe Negligence and Intentional Torts
Elements of Negligence and Intentional Torts
Defenses for Negligence and Intentional Torts
Resolution, remedies and enforcement of Tort Law
Special types of Negligence and Trespassing Laws and Defenses
Defamation of Character and its Defenses
The Need for, and Elements of, Valid Contracts
Agreement, Offer, Acceptance of Contracts
Consideration, Capacity, Consent and Lawful Purpose of Contracts
Discharging the Contract, Breach of Contract and Civil Remedies to Breach
Law 12: Unit 4 ELO’s (Civil and Contract Law)
4A
4B
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Analyse the Purpose and Effects of Law Related to Families
Describe the laws related to marriage (common-law, formal)
Requirements for marriage
Separation and divorce
Family mediation
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Describe Children and Family Law
Custody of children and child support
Adoption