Terms Flashcards
Memorize
Law
A set of statutes and rules that individuals in a society are governed by or compelled to follow
Crime
An offence against society or state that society considered unacceptable and deserving of punishment. Ex. Murder, Assault
Reasonable person
an ordinary person of normal intelligence
Justinian code
The clarification and organization of roman law commissioned by Justinian the 1st
Writ
writ is a formal, legal document that orders a person or entity to perform or to cease performing a specific action or deed
Mosaic Law
Biblical or hebrew law found in the book of exodus
Common Law
Law that developed in English court, relies on case law and is common to all people.
Magna Carta
A charter of political and civil rights signed in 1215, in Runnymede England
Writ of Habeas Corpus:
A court order designed to prevent unlawful arrest by ensuring anyone detained is charged before a court within a reasonable amount of time.
Constitution
Body of law dealing with distribution and exercising of government power
Statue of Westminster
Legislation passed in Britain that extended Canada’s law making powers
Arrest
Legally depriving someone of liberty, by seizing or touching the person to indicate that he/she is in custody
Provincial Court
The lowest level of hierarchy of Canadian Courts
Hearsay Evidence
Evidence given by a witness based on information received from someone else rather than personal knowledge
Voir Dire
A mini-trial in which jurors are excluded while the admissible of evidence is discussed
Indictable Offence:
A crime that is more serious than a summary conviction offence, and carries a heavier penalty
Hybrid offence
A crime that the crown can try as either summary or indictable
Intentional Tort
When someone intentionally injures a person or interferes with a person’s property, where damages were caused. Ex. Assault, Battery, Trespass
Unintentional Tort:
Injuries caused by an accident or an action that was not meant/intended to cause harm.
Mitigating Factors
Circumstances that decrease the security of a sentence, suggesting rehabilitation is likely if they do not pose a threat to society, and there is no need for a strong deterent.
Aggravating Circumstances
Circumstances that increase the security of a sentence. It suggests that Rehabilitation is unlikely, and a strong deterrent is needed.
Double Jeopardy
Prohibits anyone from being tired and punished for the same crime twice
Mistakes of Law
Section 19 of the criminal code states that mistakes of law are not an excuse of commiting a criminal act. However, the mens rea is always taken into consideration when determaning if a crime has been committed.
Rule of Precedent
Applying a previous decision to a case that has similar circumstances