MARKVILLE SECONDARY SCHOOL

Understanding Canadian Law

Grade 11Law CLU3M- University/College

Feb-June 2010

Teachers: Ms. Sharp – Business Office 202

Classroom: Room 216

Email:

Course Description:

Students should know about the historical development and philosophical foundations of our legal system. Students need to develop respect for the law, an understanding of its relevance to everyday life, and an appreciation of the benefits of a dynamic legal system. The study of law enhances students’ ability to participate effectively in society and to think critically and communicate effectively.

Course Units/Strands:This course is divided into five units of study:

  1. Heritage

This strand relates to the historical and philosophical roots of our legal system.

Canadian law is drawn from a number of sources, including English and French law. As well,its philosophic base and concepts of justice and equity have been shaped by the work of variousphilosophers of natural and positive law. Through study of these sources, students willunderstand not only where our legal system has come from but also how it may change anddevelop in the future.

  1. Rights and Freedoms

This strand focuses on human rights and freedoms as seen from a historicaland philosophical point of view. Students will examine what is meant by a right and howrights can be claimed. They will also investigate how the concept of human rights has evolvedin Canada and the world, how minority rights are recognized, and how the conflict betweenminority and majority rights can be resolved in a democratic society.

  1. Criminal Law and Procedures

This strand deals with the way society defines criminal actionsand behaviour and with the systems and structures established to investigate, prosecute, andimpose sanctions on what is considered criminal. Embedded in these definitions and structuresis the concept of justice. Students will study and evaluate both the principles and the proceduresof the criminal justice system.

  1. Regulation and Dispute Resolution

Law deals with the regulation of conduct, the settling ofdisputes, and the resolution of conflicts. Civil law may include tort, contract, family, andemployment law. Students will study both traditional and non-traditional methods of controllingor regulating conduct and settling disputes. In addition to investigating how disputes aresettled in Canada, students will also examine international law and consider questions aboutthe international implementation and enforcement of law

  1. Methods of Legal Inquiry and Communication

Students of law draw on a wide range of skillsand information technologies. Students will integrate primary sources such as court visits, trialtranscripts, and original documents with secondary sources such as newspaper articles or textbooks.They will also justify and support opinions on a variety of legal issues, using properlegal terminology. They will examine career opportunities in the legal field and work to communicatetheir findings effectively in written, oral, or visual forms.

Textbook: All About Law 6th Edition: Exploring the Canadian Legal System

This textbook is on loan to you so please take care of your textbook. You will be charged for damage to it or its loss while signed out in your name.

Assessment/Evaluation

Evaluation Category / May include… / Weighting of Final Mark
Knowledge/Understanding / Case Studies, Presentations, Tests, Quizzes, Debates, Research Reports, Mock Trial / 17.5%
Thinking / Case Studies, Presentations, Tests, Quizzes, Debates, Research Reports, Mock Trial / 17.5%
Communication / Case Studies, Presentations, Tests, Quizzes, Debates, Research Reports, Mock Trial / 17.5%
Application / Case Studies, Presentations, Tests, Quizzes, Debates, Research Reports, Mock Trial / 17.5%
Summative Evaluation / Crime and Punishment ISU/EXAM-must be completed for a credit in the course. / 30%
Total / 100%

General Responsibilities

Here are some of the ground rules to ensure we get off to a good start!

  • It is your responsibility to be present in class on time each and every day
  • Come prepared to class each day- meaning in addition to brining your textbook, you will need a 3 ring binder, paper, pens, highlighters, and a USB key
  • It is my hope that we will participate on at least one field trip relating to a unit of study. Since these trips are an essential component of the course, full attendance is expected.
  • Participation in class discussions is strongly encouraged and really helps to enhance everyone’s experience in the course

Late Assignments

Students are expected to work diligently to meet all due dates.

If for some reason you cannot meet a deadline, it must be negotiated with me prior to the due date. Extensions will only be given in exceptional circumstances.

Evaluation

If you are absent from class, you must check with another student for assignments, hand-outs, scheduled quizzes/tests and homework that you may have missed.

Tests and due dates for major assignments will be announced approximately one week in advance so that you can arrange to be present and prepared. Whenever possible, please try and schedule appointments before/after school hours. Any student, who skips class on the day of a test/presentation/quiz etc. and cannot legitimize their absence,may receive a grade of zero.