Law 12 (Online and Print), version 06

It is recommended that students complete:
• Social Studies 11

Law 12 fosters skills and attitudes that enhance students’ abilities to address legal, social, and ethical issues, and reflect critically on the role of law in society. The study of law also promotes skills and abilities needed to clearly express ideas, argue effectively and logically, and accurately interpret the written word. This course is also designed to help students learn about their legal rights and responsibilities.

This course consists of four modules:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Law

Section 1: Definition and Purposes; The Relationship between Laws and Morals; Important Legal Terms
Section 2: Legal Developments in the Western World; Sources of Canadian Law; Types of Law
Section 3: The Functions, Structure, and Jurisdiction of the Canadian Court System; Provincial vs. Federal Responsibilities; Trials and Courtroom Participants; Alternative to Court for Resolving Disputes
Section 4:  The Evolution of the Constitution: Canada Grows Up; The Canadian Legislative Process; The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; Resolving Infringements of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; Human Rights in British Columbia
Module 1 Test covers the work of Module 1.

Module 2: Criminal Law

Section 1: Definitions, Jurisdiction, and Purposes; Types of Criminal Offences; Criminal Court System; Elements of a Crime; Parties to an Offence
Section 2: Introduction to the Criminal Code; Violent Crimes; Actions with High Social Impact; Property Crimes; Crimes Related to Driving; Criminal Offences and Penalties; The Youth Justice System
Section 3: Powers of Arrest; Arrest Procedures; Legal Rights of Accused and Police; Search Laws; Release Procedures; Awaiting Trial
Section 4: Pre-Trial Procedures and Motions; Juries and Jury Selection; Presentation of Evidence; Defences; Reaching a Verdict
Section 5: Sentencing Procedures and Purposes; Types of Sentences; Victims’ Rights; Appeals; Corrections
Module 2 Test covers the work of Module 2.

Module 3: Civil Law

Section 1: Civil Law and the Civil Law Court System; Civil Law Trial Procedures; The Judgment and Civil Remedies; Alternatives to Courts in Civil Law Disputes
Section 2: The Nature and Purpose of Tort Law; Negligence; Special Types of Negligence; Intentional Torts
Section 3: Nature of a Contract and Employment Law; A Contract’s Fate; Employment Relationships; The Laws Affecting Employment
Module 3 Test covers the work of Module 3.

Module 4: Family Law

Section 1: Definition of a Family, Purposes of Family Law and Cultural and Economic Expectations; Requirements of a Valid Marriage; Formal Requirements of Marriage; Responsibilities and Rights of Spouses
Section 2: Annulment and Separation; Divorce; Property Division and Spousal Support; Other Marriage Law Issues
Section 3: Custody; Access and Support; Protecting Children; Adoption
Module 4 Test covers the work of Module 4.

The textbooks and resources for this course are:

All About Law: Exploring the Canadian Legal System (5th Edition)
Law 12 Source File
Law 12 CD-ROM