Coagulate

To change from a fluid into a thickened mass; curdle, congeal.

Credo

A system of principles or beliefs that guides one's actions (from Latin meaning 'I believe').

Definition of Law

A body of rules regulating society's conduct, recognized and enforced by government authority.

Life Cycle of a Law: Introduction & Debate

A Bill is created from an idea and then introduced and debated in Parliament.

Life Cycle of a Law: Adoption & Amendment

A Bill is adopted if it receives a majority vote; amendments change laws and restart the process.

Common Law

A legal system originating from Britain that relies on precedent and case law.

Binding vs. Persuasive Precedent

Decisions by higher courts are binding on lower courts, while others are persuasive.

Statute Law

Law made by federal, provincial, or municipal governments through proclaimed bills.

Criminal vs. Quasi-Criminal Jurisdiction

Only the federal government can make criminal law; provinces enact quasi-criminal laws.

Parsimonious

Unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy or frugal.

Constitution Act, 1867

Canada's supreme law; no single level of government can change it.

Federal Jurisdiction (Section 91)

Includes criminal law, banking, postal service, immigration, and marriage and divorce.

Provincial Jurisdiction (Section 92)

Includes education, administration of justice, family law, and property and civil rights.

Municipal Jurisdiction

Authority granted by provinces to pass local by-laws like parking, fences, and dog licenses.

Quasi-Criminal Law

Classification applied to certain provincial and municipal laws and by-laws.

Substantive Law

The body of law that defines legal rights and responsibilities (e.g., laws defining assault).

Procedural Law

The rules and methods used to enforce rights and responsibilities, such as trial procedures and sentencing.

Difference Between Substantive and Procedural Law

Substantive law defines rights and duties, whereas procedural law dictates how those rights are enforced in legal proceedings.