Lesson 1.3 – Introduction to the Quebec Legal System Flashcards
What are the two separate court systems in Quebec?
Civil Court System and Criminal Court System (operate independently).
What is the first level of the Quebec Civil Court system?
Trial Court (Court of First Instance).
What happens at the trial court level?
This is where legal disputes are heard, including witnesses, cross-examinations, and judgments.
What are the two types of trial courts in Quebec?
Court of Quebec – Judges appointed by the provincial government.
Quebec Superior Court – Judges appointed by the federal government.
What are the monetary limits for cases in the Court of Quebec?
The Court of Quebec hears cases between $15,000 and $75,000.
What is the monetary threshold for cases in the Quebec Superior Court?
The Quebec Superior Court hears cases $100,000 or more.
What happens if a claim is between $75,000 and $100,000?
The plaintiff can choose to file in either the Court of Quebec or the Quebec Superior Court.
What is the second level of the Quebec Civil Court system?
Quebec Court of Appeal.
What types of cases go to the Quebec Court of Appeal?
Appeals from both the Court of Quebec and Quebec Superior Court.
What is the final level of appeal in Canada?
The Supreme Court of Canada (hears appeals from all provinces and territories).
What is litigation?
The legal process where one party sues another to claim damages, enforce an obligation, or recover a debt.
What are the five key terms in litigation?
Creditor – The person to whom a debt is owed.
Debtor – The person who owes a debt.
Plaintiff – The person initiating a lawsuit.
Defendant – The person being sued in the lawsuit.
Prescription – The time limit to sue before the legal right expires (usually 3 years).
What is a class action lawsuit?
A lawsuit where multiple people with a similar claim sue a common defendant.
What is an example of a class action?
Consumers suing a car manufacturer over a defective braking system.
What are the benefits of a class action?
Saves court time (one case for all plaintiffs).
Reduces legal costs (one lawyer represents all plaintiffs).
Increases access to justice for individuals who can’t afford a lawyer.
