Updated September 30, 2004

The legal system

	Supreme Court of Canada Photo: Claude Raymond

Canada's legal mosaic represents the many different cultures and regions across our land. From two founding legal systems, Canadian law has become a written record of many aspects of Canadian life. Laws describe how quartz must be mined in the Yukon, how chief medical examiners are appointed in Nova Scotia, and how quality standards are set for Canadian grain. Laws govern the public and private affairs of Canadians and balance the rights of individuals and the public interest. Our diverse and rich legal heritage also binds us together with shared notions of fairness and justice. Through the Criminal Code and other criminal statutes, the law defines offences against the state and its citizens. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees individual rights and freedoms enjoyed by all Canadians. Private or civil law concerns itself with how we relate to each other in everyday life through laws governing family, property, business, contracts and other daily affairs. Our laws mirror those values that all Canadians regard as important and demonstrate how they will be protected.

This shared yet diverse legal system reflects the changing needs of Canadians, continually adapting to meet the challenges of the day. As new issues emerge in Canadian society, our legal system changes with us to maintain the fabric of law and justice throughout Canada.