Legal Concepts and Their Significance

An agreement between two or more people to commit an illegal act, or to achieve a lawful act through illegal means.

A law that identifies the rights and duties of a person or level of government.

The fundamental principle that society is governed by law applying equally to all people.

The result of a change that would affect the economic viability of an employer or produce a substantial health or safety risk that outweighs the benefits of accommodating someone.

The area of private law covering civil wrongs and damages that one person or company causes to another, when the wrongs damages arise independently of a contractual relationship.

Refers to limits or checks placed on the authority of government officials or any entity in a position of power. These constraints are crucial to ensure that no one becomes too powerful or acts in ways that could violate the rights of individuals.

Laws created and passed by a legislative body like a parliament or congress. They are formally written and go through a specific process.

A detailed proposal outlining new laws or policies, often presented by the government.

A legal presumption that someone committed an offense based on evidence, facts, or circumstances. It shifts the burden of proof onto the individual to prove innocence.

The careful steps taken to verify and gather information before making decisions, especially in legal, financial, or business contexts.

A method for changing a constitution without involving a previous authority like a foreign parliament.

The act of saying or doing something that could be used against you in a legal case.

Rights that cannot be given up, sold, or transferred, even with consent. They are inherent and cannot be taken away.

An unfair or exploitative agreement that a person is forced to accept because of their circumstances.

A mental state that refers to the accused's intention to commit a crime. It focuses on the individual's internal thoughts and motivations.

A mental state that evaluates the accused's actions against societal norms and expectations. It focuses on whether the behavior was reasonable, regardless of intent.

A written or oral statement by the victim (or their family) that describes the impact of the crime during sentencing.

It provides courts insights into the consequences of a crime, helping to guide sentencing decisions within legal frameworks.

A system where international cooperation, treaties, and organizations take a leading role in addressing transnational challenges.

The interconnectedness of global markets forces countries to collaborate on trade rules, labor standards, and financial regulation.

A mental state that signifies the accused's intention to commit a crime. It focuses on their internal thoughts and motivations.

The act of doing the crime. It refers to the physical act of committing the offense.

The idea that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This principle safeguards against unfair punishment or stigmatization without concrete evidence.

This legal philosophy emphasizes the practical application of law in courtrooms, acknowledging that judges' interpretations and decisions shape the law.

A global phenomenon that influences norms, values, and ideas, impacting treaty-making in areas like human rights and environmental sustainability.

Challenges arise in implementing international agreements like climate change or trade deals due to political resistance, economic inequality, and lack of enforcement mechanisms.

The Paris Agreement has inspired many nations to adopt renewable energy policies and set targets for net-zero emissions, signifying a global shift towards sustainable energy.

The World Trade Organization has played a significant role in promoting economic growth and lifting millions out of poverty through trade liberalization and global economic integration.

A legal doctrine that protects public officials from being sued for actions taken in their official capacity, even if those actions were wrongful. It is often criticized for shielding misconduct by law enforcement.

The legal principle that employers must provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees, and this cannot be waived by the employees.

The philosophical foundations, theories, and principles underpinning the legal system. It often reflects the perspectives and values of those in power.

The belief that the legal system systematically favors certain groups, often those with power and privilege, over others, leading to unfair outcomes. It often reflects historical inequalities and societal biases.

A legal requirement that employers must pay their workers at least the minimum wage established by law. Workers cannot agree to work for less than this legal minimum.

Legal provisions that guarantee workers certain periods of rest during their workday and limit the number of hours they can work consecutively.

Including clauses in employment contracts that heavily favor the employer, such as unpaid overtime, non-compete clauses that restrict future job prospects, or penalties for leaving a job.

Laws created by government agencies to regulate behaviour in specific areas or industries. These laws aim to protect the public and promote fairness, safety, and environmental protection.

Legal approach that recognizes that judicial decisions are influenced by factors beyond just fixed rules, such as social, political, and economic considerations.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is a federal law enforcement agency that enforces federal laws like criminal law, immigration regulations, and certain regulatory offences.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces regulations related to customs, immigration, and the import/export of goods.

Provincial police forces, like the Ontario Provincial Police, enforce laws within their respective provinces, including provincial regulations and certain criminal offenses.

Provincial ministries, such as the Ministry of the Environment, enforce provincial laws related to specific areas like health, environment, and labor.

Local police departments enforce municipal laws like traffic regulations, bylaw enforcement, and local ordinances.

City Bylaw Officers enforce specific local regulations related to zoning laws, building codes, and noise regulations.