Introduction to the Canadian Judicial System

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the Canadian judicial system, including terms related to law, politics, and the structure of the judiciary.

Law

A system of rules created, applied, and enforced by the state.

Politics

The process of who gets what, when, and how, often involving the exercise of power.

Common Law

A legal system emphasizing precedent and legal principles from previous decisions.

Civil Law

A legal system characterized by comprehensive codification, such as the Napoleonic code.

Private Law

A branch of law dealing with disputes between private entities.

Public Law

A branch of law involving disputes that involve the state.

Roncarelli v. Duplessis (1959)

A court case highlighting the abuse of legal power against Roncarelli for his actions in support of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Judiciary

The judicial branch of government responsible for interpreting the law.

Jurisdiction

The authority given to courts to hear and decide cases.

Supreme Court of Canada

The final court of appeal in Canada, established in 1949.

Docket Control

The management of court schedules and the number of cases accepted for appeal.

Justiciability

The doctrine that determines whether a matter is appropriate for court review.

Standing

The legal right to initiate a lawsuit.

Mootness

A legal doctrine preventing courts from hearing cases that no longer require resolution.

Ripeness

The readiness of a case for litigation.

Political Questions

Issues that the courts will not adjudicate because they are more appropriately dealt with by the legislative or executive branch.