Introduction to Canadian Law | Queen's Certificate in Law

Woman being crushed by a fine. Art: vdesrochers.com

Crime pays, but not the way you think: Victim Surcharges

There’s a classic saying that crime doesn’t pay. In fact, victim surcharges ensure that criminals pay for their crimes on top of the sentences they receive. But what exactly is a mandatory victim surcharge? How does it work? And why did Canada’s highest court strike it down?

A Supreme Farewell to Victim Surcharges

Victim surcharges are no more -- thanks to our Supreme Court -- but what were they, and what does this mean? Criminal law expert Lisa Kerr explains.

Administrative Tribunals. Art: Val Desrochers, vdesrochers.com

Your Daily Government: Administrative Tribunals and You

How do these decision-makers fit into our system of government? What is the source of their authority to make these decisions? And why are they so prevalent?

Breaking Solitary. Art: Val Desrochers, vdesrochers.com

Solitary Confinement in Canada & Bill C-83

What exactly is solitary confinement? What laws empower the Correctional Services of Canada to resort to it? And what does Bill C-83 purport to change?

A look inside solitary (and the promise of reform)

Solitary! The Liberals say they're ending it. But I thought we didn't have solitary in Canada, so what are they ending? Who does this affect? Find out with professor Lisa Kerr.

You Don’t Really Own “Your” Land – Fundamentals of Canadian Law 10

You Don’t Really Own “Your” Land – Fundamentals of Canadian Law 010

Property law is complex — fee simple, escheats, and William the Conqueror all come into play when we’re talking about ownership of property in Canada.

What Did I Agree To? Contracts in our Everyday Lives

Contracts govern many aspects of our day-to-day lives—they are one of the fundamental ways that society is ordered.

Be a Court Case Detective – Fundamentals of Canadian Law 007

Dive into the amazing world of case research with professor Mary Jo Maur, developer and instructor of Law 201/701 — Introduction to Canadian Law in this edition of the podcast!

Presumed Innocent: Fundamentals of Canadian Law Podcast 005

Why is it the bedrock of our criminal justice system? How does it level the playing field of one person versus all of society? And… is it really as venerable and ancient a principle as we think it is?

The Brains and Brawn of Criminal Law: Mens Rea and Actus Reus

At the most fundamental level, criminal law is based around a single Latin phrase: “Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea”, which translates to “an act does not make a person guilty unless the mind is also guilty”.