Overview
Legal Studies 230: The Canadian Legal System provides a foundational introduction to the structure, functions, and key principles of the Canadian legal system.
The primary objective of the course is to develop students' understanding of the legal framework that shapes Canadian society, including the rights and responsibilities established by law. Through this course, students will learn to recognize how legal issues arise in everyday contexts and to identify appropriate responses to such situations. While the course is not a substitute for professional legal advice, it is designed to help students determine when legal assistance is required and to engage more effectively with legal professionals.
A central theme of the course is the role of the courts within the Canadian legal system. Students will learn how courts operate and how legal disputes are resolved within that framework. By the end of the course, students will have acquired the background knowledge necessary to identify legal issues, understand legal processes, and make informed and efficient use of legal resources.
Learning outcomes
After completing Legal Studies 230, students should be able to
- describe what we mean by law in Canada in comparison to other normative systems and explain some leading theories of law.
- describe the two legal systems found in Canada and explain their differences.
- explain the structure of the Canadian legal system and describe the role and function of the judiciary.
- explain the basic principles of Canadian tort, contract, property, business, family, administrative, and criminal law.
- describe the nature and sources of civil liberties in Canada.
- identify the different branches of legal professionals in Canada and describe their educational requirements.
- explain what is meant by access to justice and law reform, and describe some initiatives in both areas.
Evaluation
To receive for Legal Studies 230, students must complete and submit all four assignments and the graded quiz, and write the final exam. Students must achieve a minimum grade of on the final exam and an overall grade of at least D (50 percent) for the course.
The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 10% |
| Assignment 2 | 10% |
| Assignment 3 | 10% |
| Assignment 4 | 10% |
| Graded Quiz | 10% |
| Final Exam | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an 小优视频-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
Materials
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course鈥檚 start date:
Fairlie, J. (2023). Introduction to law in Canada (3rd ed). Emond Publishing.
Other Resources
All other learning resources will be available online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the LGST 230 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the examination. A letter grade will be given based upon the examination mark awarded.
Challenge for credit course registration form