Foundations of Law, Criminal Law, and Civil Law Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the foundations of law, different types of law, criminal law terms, legal defences, civil and tort law, human rights, and family and contract law concepts.

Magna Carta

A 1215 document that limited the king’s power and established that everyone is subject to the law.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone, including government officials, must obey the law.

Justice

Fair treatment according to the law.

Equality

Treating all people the same under the law.

Equity

Fairness in the law that considers individual circumstances.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment of a person or group based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion.

Inalienable Rights

Rights that cannot be taken away from a person.

Parliamentary Supremacy

The principle that Parliament has the highest law-making authority.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle that courts follow previous decisions (precedents).

Intra Vires

An action that is within the legal powers of a person or government body.

Ultra Vires

An action that goes beyond legal authority.

Criminal Law

Laws dealing with crimes against society and the state.

Civil Law

Laws that resolve disputes between individuals or organizations.

Tort Law

Civil law dealing with harm or injury caused to another person.

Family Law

Law relating to family relationships, such as marriage and divorce.

Constitutional Law

Law that defines the powers of government and citizens’ rights.

Labour Law

Law governing relationships between employers and employees.

Contract Law

Law dealing with agreements between parties.

Property Law

Law concerning ownership and use of property.

Administrative Law

Law governing government agencies and their decisions.

Procedural Law

Rules about how legal cases are handled in court.

Substantive Law

Laws that define rights, duties, and crimes.

Mens Rea

The guilty mind; the intention to commit a crime.

Actus Reus

The guilty act; the physical act of committing a crime.

Burden of Proof

The responsibility to prove a claim in court.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The high level of proof required for a criminal conviction.

Appeal

A request for a higher court to review a decision.

Mistrial

A trial that is declared invalid before a verdict is reached.

Jury

A group of citizens who decide the facts of a case.

Opening Statements

The first presentations made by lawyers outlining their case.

Manslaughter

Causing someone’s death without planning or intent to kill.

First-Degree Murder

Planned and deliberate killing.

Aggravated Assault

Assault that causes serious injury or endangers life.

Fraud

Deceiving someone for personal gain.

Mischief

Intentionally damaging or interfering with property.

Obstruction

Interfering with the administration of justice or police duties.

Perjury

Lying under oath in court.

Necessity

Claiming a crime was committed to avoid greater harm.

Intoxication

Claiming impairment due to alcohol or drugs affected intent.

Provocation

Claiming a person’s actions caused a sudden loss of self-control.

Entrapment

When police improperly encourage someone to commit a crime.

Mistake of Fact

A misunderstanding of facts that removes criminal intent.

Battered Woman Defence

A defence based on prolonged abuse affecting a person’s perception of danger.

Negligence

Failing to act with reasonable care and causing harm.

Nuisance

Unreasonable interference with someone’s use or enjoyment of property.

Defamation

Damaging a person’s reputation through false statements.

Libel

Written or published defamation.

Slander

Spoken defamation.

Trespass

Entering another person’s property without permission.

Damages

Money awarded as compensation for harm or loss.

Balance of Probabilities

The standard of proof in civil cases; more likely than not.

Plaintiff

The person who starts a civil lawsuit.

Defendant

The person being sued or accused.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Part of the Constitution that protects fundamental rights and freedoms.

Human Rights Code

Provincial law protecting people from discrimination.

Canadian Human Rights Act

Federal law prohibiting discrimination in federally regulated areas.

Harassment

Repeated behaviour that intimidates, humiliates, or offends someone.

Racism

Discrimination or prejudice based on race.

Homophobia

Discrimination or prejudice against LGBTQ+ people.

Sexual Harassment

Unwanted sexual comments, behaviour, or advances.

Mobility Rights

Charter rights allowing Canadians to move, live, and work anywhere in Canada.

Search and Seizure

The examination and taking of property by authorities; protected under section 8 of the Charter from unreasonable searches.

Contract

A legally binding agreement between parties.

Offer and Acceptance

One party proposes an agreement and the other agrees to it.

Capacity

The legal ability to enter into a contract.

Certainty of Terms

Contract terms must be clear and specific.

Divorce

The legal end of a marriage.

Custody

Legal responsibility for a child’s care and decision-making.

Alimony

Financial support paid by one former spouse to another after separation or divorce.

Will

A legal document stating how a person’s property will be distributed after death.

Power of Attorney

Legal authority allowing someone to act on another person’s behalf.

Deed

A legal document that transfers ownership of property.