Outcome Chart - Manitoba - Social Studies 12: Canadian Law

This chart contains media-related learning outcomes from Manitoba, Curriculum for Social Studies: Canadian Law 12, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Module 2: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Enduring Understanding

In Canada, all branches and levels of government, regardless of political ideology, must recognize and respect the fundamental rights of its citizens, including language and Aboriginal rights. Our rights and freedoms, outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, are guaranteed and entrenched within our Constitution. The Supreme Court of Canada plays a vital role in interpreting the Charter, thereby making the Charter a “living tree,” an evolving document.

Learning Experiences

2.2 Describe and assess each section of the Charter, its jurisdiction and enforcement, as well as its general impact on Canadian society.

2.3 Examine the ongoing debate around limitations to our rights and freedoms, as outlined in the reasonable limits clause and the notwithstanding clause, as well as the role of the Supreme Court as the “guardian of the Constitution.”

2.6 Outline how the Charter protects your legal and procedural rights and establishes limits on representatives of the criminal justice system, such as the police and the Crown.

2.7 Compare and contrast the concepts of equality and equity in relation to Section 15 of the Charter.

2.9 Examine how issues such as women’s rights, gender identity, medically assisted death, and other current events have had an impact on current interpretations of the Charter, making the Charter a living document.

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Module 3: Criminal Law

Enduring Understanding

Law provides order and serves to protect individuals in society. It is designed to ensure the sanctity of life and well-being of citizens, to deter violence, and to provide rational solutions to protect people and goods. The purpose of justice has changed over time from being purely punitive to including principles of restitution and rehabilitation. Indigenous peoples have also developed viable alternatives to sentencing, some of which have been adopted into the Canadian legal system. The bigger picture of a crime, including victim rights and factors concerning the offender and the offence, are taken into account in sentencing.

Learning Experiences

3.1 Define the purpose and characteristics of criminal law in Canadian society, including the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and explore the challenge of finding balance between retribution and rehabilitation that recognizes the legal rights of both the offender and the victim.

3.2 Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of a criminal offence, such as actus reus, mens rea, and absolute liability.

3.3 Describe and analyze criminal offences that involve people, such as homicide, assault, and sexual assault.

3.4 Describe and analyze criminal offences that involve property, such as theft, robbery, and breaking and entering, as well as other criminal offences, such as drug trafficking and possession, identity theft, and fraud.

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Module 4: Civil Law

Enduring Understanding

Civil laws are designed to protect the interests and concerns of individuals, groups, and levels of government. Civil laws must establish a balance between the rights of the individual and the needs of society. Civil law is complex, as it attempts to resolve common disputes at the individual level. These considerations also apply to Indigenous land and treaty rights.

Learning Experiences

4.1 Define civil law and how it differentiates from criminal law, particularly in terms of purpose, structure, procedure, and resolution.

4.2 Assess the various elements involved in civil procedures, including parties involved in civil actions, stages in a civil action, class action lawsuits, and civil courts.

4.3 Describe various types of compensation, such as damages and injunctions, as well as alternative dispute resolution methods, such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

4.5 Analyze elements, examples, and defences of intentional and non-intentional torts, such as negligence, invasion of privacy, and defamation of character.

4.6 Explain the main elements of contracts, including the factors that can invalidate them, and the different types of contracts available, such as cell phone contracts, parking agreements, purchases, rent, warranties, and mortgages.

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Module 6: Student Inquiry

Overall Expectations:

Theme 6B: Human Rights Law

  • All human beings have the right to be protected and live freely, equally, and with dignity.

Specific Expectations:

6B.5: Analyze situations in which rights and freedoms may conflict, such as those involving freedom of expression, hate literature, traditions, and defamation.

6B.8: Assess the contribution of key people and organizations in the promotion of human rights both nationally and internationally.

6B.9: Measure the effects of collective action, such as petitions and special interest groups, on the evolution of law in democracies.

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Module 6: Student Inquiry

Overall Expectations:

Theme 6C: Youth and the Law

  • Youth are treated differently in law. Youth are both entitled and restricted by law, in different ways and in different circumstances. Laws pertaining to youth are constantly evolving to reflect the changing nature of society.

Specific Expectations:

6C.2 Assess the effectiveness of international laws concerning the respect of children’s rights.

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