1. Introduction to Law
Law is like time. I know what it is, but if someone asks me, I know not.”
– Saint Augustine

2. Law in Our Lives: Law is everywhere in our society
Canada’s legal system represents principles Canadian’s believe in and value
It is important to study law so that the legal system continues to work while being influenced by thoughtful, informed citizens who can make meaningful change
The study of law is the study of people; how they behave, what they value and how they solve problems

3. What Purposes Does Law Serve?
1. Helps to avoid or settle disputes
Example: In 2008, lawsuits were brought against Maple Leaf Foods by the families of victims of listeria (tainted meat).

4. 2. Clearly states rights and obligations of citizens and their government
Examples:
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Criminal Code

5. 3. Provides remedies (solutions, compensation)
In the Maple Leaf Foods lawsuits out of court settlements totalling $ 27 million were reached to compensate the victims and their families

6. 4. Sets up the structure of government
Example:
Constitutional Law clearly outlines areas of law making power for various levels of government

7. 5. Maintains order and provides protection
Examples:
Laws are enforced by police in order to deter behaviour deemed unacceptable by society

8. 6. Directs how to make laws
Example: Constitutional Law outlines legal procedure for introducing ideas for law and for passing them.

9. Rules v. Laws:
Breaking rules can result in a consequence but they are not enforced by the police and courts
One can opt out of many rules. One cannot opt out of laws or change laws on their own
If one breaks a law and is caught, they face punishment
Rules are not laws, but all law are rules

10. What is Law?:
Law regulates our social, political and economic activities
Laws can differ between nations, provinces and cities
Some argue that law is whatever the government says it is. Others argue law is a social necessity to help society function by reason and fairness and not by brute force
Each generation influences the system and the laws that are passed reflect the society of that period
For example:
1960s and 1970s – first national divorce laws, prison reform emphasizing rehabilitation
1982 – enactment of Charter of Rights and Freedoms to guarantee the rights of all Canadians regardless of age, race, gender, religion…
2007 – law legalizing same-sex marriage

11. The Need for Law:
Laws create predictability and structure for a safe and peaceful society
Laws protect the rights of individual citizens, including and especially against the government

12. Rule of Law: Three-part principle of justice
1. Individuals recognize laws are necessary to regulate society; to maintain order
2. Law applies equally to everyone, including heads of state, police, and politicians
3. No one can exercise unrestricted power to take away rights except in accordance with the law

14. Law and Morality:
Some laws are purely practical and indisputably make sense (ex. property rights, traffic). Other laws reflect the values of the majority of society (ex. euthanasia, child pornography, spanking)
Anytime that laws reflect moral values and belief, there will be controversy
Examples?

15. Law and Justice: JUSTICE is NOT “JUST US” What is justice?
The answer changes over time (ex. ancient Greece and inequality v. Canada and equality)
Is equality always required for justice? (ex. Defense of Necessity)
Characteristics of Justice
Treat like cases alike & different cases differently
A law is unjust if it discriminates using irrelevant characteristics
Law should be impartial, regardless of a person’s position or financial status
Laws must be just and have some relationship to society’s values and beliefs (ex. no DNA at birth example)
JUSTICE is NOT “JUST US”

16. END