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Federal Government
Highest level, handles national matters and criminal law.
Provincial Government
Responsible for education, health, and civil rights.
Municipal Government
Local government creating by-laws for towns and cities.
Statutes
Laws created by government levels through parliamentary process.
Bylaws
Laws created at the municipal level.
Parliamentary Process
Procedure for proposing and voting on new laws.
First Reading
Initial vote on bill's worthiness for consideration.
Second Reading
Committee examines bill and suggests amendments.
Third Reading
Final vote on bill to become law.
Governor General
, King's representative signing bills into law.
Constitutional Documents
Fundamental laws governing Canada, alterable by agreement.
Provincial Courts
Courts handling most cases in Canadian legal system.
Criminal Offences
Violations punishable by imprisonment under criminal law.
Quasi-Criminal Offences
Violations resulting in fines or community service.
Civil Lawsuits
Claims filed by individuals against others in court.
Indictable Charges
Serious offenses, similar to felonies in the U.S.
Summary Convictions
Less serious offenses with lighter penalties.
Hybrid Offences
Charges that can be prosecuted as summary or indictable.
Provincial Offences Act
System for prosecuting non-criminal charges.
Jury Trials
Proceedings where jury determines guilt or innocence.
Federal Court
National trial court for federal legal disputes.