Law Unit #2 | Grade 11

Right

A privilege or entitlement protected by law or society.

Freedom

The ability to act, speak, or think without unnecessary restriction.

Human Right

A basic right or freedom that all people are entitled to as humans.

Legal Right

A right granted and protected by the laws of a country.

Inalienable or natural right

A right that cannot be taken away because it is inherent to being human.

United Nations

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, cooperation, and human rights.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A 1948 UN document listing fundamental rights and freedoms for all people.

John Humphry

A Canadian who helped draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Injustice

Unfair treatment or a violation of rights.

Human Rights Codes

Provincial/territorial laws protecting people from discrimination in jobs, housing, and services.

Entrench

To protect a law by placing it into the constitution so it cannot be easily changed.

Charter of Rights and Freedoms (34 sections)

Part of the Constitution Act, 1982 outlining Canadians’ fundamental rights and freedoms.

Pierre Elliot Trudeau

The Prime Minister who led the patriation of the Constitution and creation of the Charter in 1982.

Constitution Act, 1982

The law that patriated Canada’s constitution and included the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Supreme Court Justices (Total 9)

The nine judges on Canada’s highest court who interpret the constitution and Charter.

Guarantee / Limitations

Rights are guaranteed but can be limited if the limit is reasonable and justified.

Reasonable / Justified

A limit the government can prove is necessary, balanced, and in a free democratic society.

Precedent

A past legal decision used as a guide for future cases.

Infringe / Unconstitutional

To violate a Charter right or act against the constitution.

Notwithstanding Clause Sec. 33

Allows governments to override certain Charter rights for up to five years.

Inciting hatred

Encouraging hatred or violence against an identifiable group.

Reasonable Accommodations

Adjustments allowing people to meet religious, medical, or conscience needs unless it causes undue hardship.

Marginalization

When a group is pushed to the edge of society and denied equal participation.

Intersectionality

How overlapping identities (race, gender, class, etc.) shape experiences of inequality.

Forms of Expression/Symbols

Non-verbal expression such as clothing, signs, gestures, or art.

Peaceful Assembly

The right to gather for protests or events without violence.

Compelled Association

Being forced to join or support a group or organization.

Enfranchisement / Disenfranchisement

Gaining the right to vote / being denied or losing the right to vote.

Effective Representation

The principle that voting districts must fairly represent communities.

Extradition

Sending someone accused or convicted of a crime to another country to face legal processes.

State imposed stress

Harm or pressure caused by government actions like delays or unfair procedures.

Due Process or Procedural Justice

Fair procedures the government must follow before restricting rights.

Search, Seizure, Warrant

Rules for when police can search or take evidence and what authorization they need.

Expectation of Privacy

The belief that certain spaces or information should remain private from the government.

Right to Counsel (lawyer)

The right to speak to and be represented by a lawyer when detained or charged.

Discrimination

Untreated unequal treatment based on race, gender, religion, disability, etc.

Adverse Effects

When a seemingly neutral rule negatively impacts a protected group.

Enforcement, Section 24, Charter Challenge

The process of going to court to claim your rights were violated and seeking a remedy.

Equity / Equality

Equality is treating everyone the same; equ