Law 30

Instructor - Greg ShwagaSchool - Vanguard

I. Introduction:

The Law 30 course is designed to assist students to become active, informed and productive citizens who know and understand their legal rights and responsibilities. Through the course, students develop an understanding of the concept of rule of law, and learn that the law reflects, and is shaped by society's values and attitudes regarding social and human relationships. The course begins by developing student's understanding of the abstract nature of law, its sources and purposes. The abstract nature of law is made relevant through study of the concrete application of law to current legal issues in Canada and the global community.

II. Topics in Law 30 by Unit:

A. Foundations of the Canadian Legal System (20 hours or about two months of class time) - topics in this unit include:

- Law as a Social Construct- The evolution of the Canadian Legal system- Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian and Saskatchewan Human

Rights Codes- Constitution, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Treaties, Statutes and

Common Law as sources of Law - Traditional and current worldviews of Law- Rights and Freedoms of Canadians- Decision making in Law- Functions of Law in society- Legal jurisdictions and government in Canada- Benefits of living by the rule of law- The need to protect individuals from arbitrary actions- Minority protection from the majority- The value of customary and common law

Foundational Objectives

B. Criminal Law (20 hours) - topics in this unit include:

- Criminal law and its basis in statutes- The rights and responsibilities of citizens in relation to a criminal

justice system- The structure, functions, and purpose of the current criminal justice

model in Canada- Dialectical reasoning in making decisions- Crime statistics- Adversarial system- Models for addressing criminal behaviour- Alternate dispute resolution mechanisms

Foundational Objectives

C. Civil Law (20 hours) - topics in this unit include:

- Differences between civil and criminal law- Torts- Compensation for harm- Personal freedom in relationships includes responsibilities- The legal system as a dispute resolution mechanism- Role of tort law

Foundational Objectives

D. Labour and Employment Law (20 Hours) - topics in this unit include:

- Fair workplace practices- Statutes that promote fair workplace practices- Responsibilities of employers and employees

Foundational Objectives

E. Family Law (20 Hours) - topics in this unit include:

- Obligations created by membership in a family unit- Separation, divorce, property rights, and custody of children- Legal wills

Foundational Objectives

III. Assessment

A. Marks Breakdown:

1. Each unit of instruction is worth 15% of the final mark for a total of 75%.2. A mid-term and final exam combine to make up 25% of the total mark.3. A portfolio consisting of all of the daily Law 30 assignments must be

handed in order to be eligible to write the final exam in this course. Simply complete each assignment, and place it sequentially in a 2 inch binder. When all assignments are accounted for, you will be eligible for the final exam in this course.

B. Within Each Unit:

Tests and Quizzes - 20%Minor Assignments - 30%Major Assignment - 30%On-line participation - 20%

IV. Materials Required:

A. Textbook and Materials

- No official text is required; however, the Law 30 Study Guide and Notes is available for download.

- A two- inch binder is required in order to organize the study guide and assignments.

B. Technology Requirements

- Internet access - High Speed is preferable- A computer that is capable of running the latest version of Internet

Explorer.- MS Word and MS Power Point