The Justice System

Medium

Short chapter. Know the presumption of innocence, the courts, and who polices where.

Guide pages 36–37

Principles

The justice system guarantees everyone due process under the law.
It is founded on the presumption of innocence in criminal matters — everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
Due process is the principle that the government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law.
The law applies to everyone, including judges, politicians and the police.
Laws are made by elected representatives, the courts settle disputes, and the police enforce the laws.
The role of the courts is to settle disputes.

The Supreme Court of Canada is the country's highest court.
The Federal Court of Canada deals with matters concerning the federal government.
Most provinces have an appeal court and a trial court, sometimes called the Court of Queen's/King's Bench or the Supreme Court.
There are also provincial courts for lesser offences, family courts, traffic courts and small claims courts.

There are provincial police forces in Ontario and Quebec, and municipal police departments in all provinces.
The RCMP enforces federal laws throughout Canada and serves as the provincial police in all provinces and territories except Ontario and Quebec.
You can question the police about their service or conduct. Almost all police forces have a process for bringing concerns forward.
If you cannot pay for a lawyer, legal aid services are available free of charge or at low cost in most communities.