Department of Canadian & World Studies
John Cabot Catholic Secondary School
CLN 4U1
Canadian and International Law
University Preparation
Teacher:
Period:
Room Number:
Course Overview:
This course explores elements of Canadian law and the role of law in social, political, and global contexts. Students
will learn about the connections between the historical and philosophical sources of law and issues in contemporary
society. They will also learn to analyze legal issues, conduct independent research, and communicate the results of
their inquiries in a variety of ways.
Specific Strands of Study and Expectations include:
 Heritage
By the end of this course, students will
 Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and philosophical origins of law and their connection and
relevance to contemporary society;
 Evaluate different concepts, principles, philosophies, and theories of law;
 Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between law and societal values;
 Assess the influence of individual and collective action on the evolution of law.
 Rights and Freedoms
By the end of this course, students will
 Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of human rights legislation in Canada;
 Explain the development of constitutional law in Canada;
 Demonstrate an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals under the Canadian Charter
of Rights and Freedoms;
 Explain the roles of the legislature and judiciary in defining, interpreting, and enforcing Charter rights;
 Analyze the conflicts between rights and freedoms and between minority and majority rights in a
democratic society and describe the methods available to resolve these conflicts.
 Criminal Law and Procedures
By the end of this course, students will
 Analyze theories about criminal conduct and the nature of criminal behaviour and explain what
constitutes a crime in Canadian law;
 Analyze the Canadian criminal trial process;
 Display an understanding of competing concepts of justice as they apply to the criminal justice system;
 Regulation and Dispute Resolution
By the end of this course, students will
 Demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments, the courts, and individual and collective
action in protecting the environment;
 Demonstrate an understanding of the legal process, of legal systems, and of sanctions used to protect
the rights of the employer and the employee in the workplace;
 Demonstrate an understanding of the major concepts, principles, and purposes of international law;
 Evaluate the effectiveness of international law, treaties, and agreements in resolving global conflicts
 Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of making, interpreting, & enforcing law globally.
 Methods of Legal Inquiry
By the end of this course, students will



Use research methods appropriately to gather, organize, and synthesize information;
Evaluate the credibility of sources;
Explain, discuss, and interpret legal issues, orally and in writing.
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students in order to ensure these
expectations are being met.
Course Breakdown
Evaluation Structure:
Unit One: Heritage
20 hours
Unit Two: Rights and Freedoms
20 hours
Unit Three: Criminal Law and Procedures
35 hours
Unit Four: Regulation & Dispute Resolution 35 hours
Unit Five: Methods of Legal Inquiry
Throughout the
course
Marks will be recorded according to
the following competencies:
Knowledge/Understanding 20%
Thinking/Inquiry
25%
Communication
25%
Application
30%
Furthermore, evaluation is divided as such:
Term Work
Final Exam
70%
30%
Resources:
The course will use a variety of resources including video, CD-ROM, the Internet and a variety of print sources. The
textbook Understanding the Law – Second 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.
Level
Category
Knowledge/Understanding


Knowledge of facts & terms
Understanding of concepts & relationships
Thinking/Inquiry



Critical thinking skills
Creative thinking skills
Inquiry Skills
Communication



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





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 regarding student learning skills. Skills like working independently, team work,
organization, work habits and homework, and initiative are assessed independently of 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 ASSSIGNMENTS 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 per
cent of the final mark and will reflect course material and competencies not otherwise reflected on the final exam.

Plagiarism in any form reflects academic dishonesty and will result in a mark of zero for the assignment in question