Justice Flashcards
Where do you encounter laws and regulations?
Everywhere
How does the government act like a “super parent”?
In the way it is concerned with everyone’s wellbeing.
What do the government and other authority figures base their decisions on?
The common good, or what the majority wants
What are some reasons rules and laws exist?
To protect, control, or punish citizens.
What is the difference between a rule and a law?
Laws are made by the government and are legally enforceable by the government. Meanwhile, rules are not.
What are rules and laws affected by?
Values and beliefs
How can you tell when a society’s values start changing?
When their laws begin changing
How can you tell that education became more valued in Manitoba over time?
When education first began, it wasn’t mandatory for students to go. However, as of 2010, people are legally required to attend school from ages 7-18 or graduation.
What is a policy?
A practice or an action, but in the terms of gov and political parties it may also be something they wish to accomplish.
What do policies address?
The wants and needs of our complex society.
What are policies made for?
The common good
Policies are designed to…
-do what is best for the most people
-protect the weakest in society
-provide fairness and equity
-create a cleaner, healthier community
When do policies become laws?
When the ruling government makes it one.
Why should people stay informed about many policies?
If you aren’t, some dangerous or discriminating policies may go unnoticed.
Government policies fall in what six basic areas?
-social
-financial
-international
-public works
-resources
-legal
What is a sign of a good political leader?
The ability to acknowledge when things don’t work and trying to improve it.
What are major influences on policies?
-political party membership
-civil service advice
-judicial opinion
-economic realities
-intergovernmental problems
-international pressures
-interest groups
What are the steps of turning a policy into a law?
- From idea to bill
- First reading
- Second reading
- Committee stage
- Report stage
- Third reading
- The senate
- Royal assent
- In force
What stage is missing when passing laws at the municipal and provincial level?
- The senate
What stage is missing when passing laws in the municipal level?
Royal assent
What is a bylaw?
A law made in a municipality
What are bylaws based on?
The needs of the community
What are bills in terms of gov?
An idea or policy to turn into a law
There are bylaws about…
-how much noise you can make after a certain hour
-where you can park your car
-how land can be used
-where you can have your dog off leash and how you have to clean up after it
-what kind of pets you can own
What is a problem with bylaws?
Lots of bylaws can become old and irrelevant, yet remain law.
Provincial laws and regulations include:
-when you can drive a car
-paying PST
-education
-when you can drink alcohol
-how old you have to be to have tobacco and marijuana
-highway speed limits
Federal laws and regulations include:
-you need a passport to enter Canada
-you need a permanent resident card to move here
-murder is illegal
-paying GST
-criminal justice system
Which level of gov makes most criminal laws?
Federal, and sometimes provincial
Which levels of laws can different police levels explore?
All levels of police can explore all levels of laws.
What is the difference in the police force?
The are they work in and who pays for them.
What is criminal law used for?
When the action threatens both individual and the larger society.
Examples of criminal law:
-theft
-murder
-robbery
-assault
-drug trafficking
-kidnapping
What laws do provincial and municipal focus on?
Civil law
When is civil law used?
When the action only affects the people involved and not the larger society.
Civil law examples:
-landlord/tenant disputes
-divorce proceedings
-child custody proceedings
-property disputes
-personal injury
Which two goals does Canadas judicial system wish to achieve?
- To ensure society operates in a peaceful, orderly manner
- To balance the need for social order with respect for the individual rights of the citizens
What is rule of law?
When everyone including the leaders are seen as equal before and under the law
