Law 201/701 | Queen's Certificate in Law

What’s in a name? Deciphering the secret world of “Styles of Cause”

Chances are you’ve seen or heard the name of a legal case. Lawyers call this the “style of cause.” Once you’ve cracked the code for a style of cause, there’s a lot of information in one short title!

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”.

Marijuana Legalization and the Federal-Provincial Relationship: Fundamentals of Canadian Law Podcast 004

We all know that the Canadian federal government is decriminalizing marijuana, but what does that mean?

Whose law is it anyway? A guide to Canadian criminal law

Almost everyone in Canada has dealt with criminal law at some point – a criminal penalty can include a simple fine like a parking ticket on through more serious punishment for serious crimes.

The “Convict Code,” Prison Law and Duress: Fundamentals of Canadian Law 002

This week on Fundamentals of Canadian Law, the “Convict Code,” duress as a defense, and prison discipline — we’re joined by professor Lisa Kerr, a faculty member at Queen’s Law.

Law 201/701 prof Lisa Kerr talks prison law with the CBC

The CBC’s Sunday Edition recently gave Professor Lisa Kerr an opportunity to explore some of the issues that are covered in passing in her criminal law overview.