Law Terms ch. 1

Administrative law

Governs the activities of administrative forms of government: how laws are made, law enforcement. Ensures administrative decision makers are bound within their lines of authority.

Civil law

A form of private law that consists of a body of rules and procedures intended to govern the conduct of individuals in their relationships with others

Civil liberties

Natural rights inherent to each citizen. Restrains how the government can treat its citizens.

Procedural law

Concerning how substantive laws are administered: filing charges, selecting a jury, presenting evidence in court.

Substantive law

Rules and rights which govern people: what is allowed, what is not.

Public law

Form of law is concerned with the structure of government, the duties and powers of officials, and the relationship between the individual and the state. It includes such subjects as constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law and procedural law.

Common law

A body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts.

Colonialism

The process through which a foreign people establish control over a territory and people through various means, including political, legal, or economic legislation.

Human rights

Includes rights such as the right to education, accommodation, and employment.

Organic laws

federal statues that can be included in any inventory of the Canadian Constitution. Although they can be amended by a simple act of parliament, they involve fundamental principles of a constitutional nature. e.g. the Supreme Court act.

Cabinet

Body of ministers appointed by the Prime Minister who set the federal government’s policies and priorities.

Parliament

House of Commons and Senate. Passes laws.

How laws are passed through the senate and house (parliament)

1st reading

2nd reading

consideration

report

3rd reading

Who gives royal assent

governor general

who drafts the proposal

department of justice

who approves the doj’s proposal

cabinet

steps to creating a law

policy proposal, cabinet, parliament (1st reading, 2nd reading, consideration, report, 3rd reading), royal assent

who gives royal assent for provincial laws

lieutenant governor