The Canadian Legal System is a complex and interconnected relationship between the government, courts, law enforcement, public officials, and Canadian society. Laws exist to protect our fundamental rights and freedoms while, at the same time, giving us rules that help govern and maintain a well-ordered society.
As with the general population, those who are in the Corrections System have legal needs that include, but are not limited to:
The goal of this course is to help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities should you choose to self-represent in the justice system. The course will look at legal terms and definitions that you should know, the initial steps you can expect to take as a self-representing litigant (SRL), and how the Disciplinary court system works within federal institutions. By the end of this course, you will be able to make more informed decisions based on your unique needs and circumstances.
Click on the first lesson below—or the “View Course” button above—when you’re ready to begin.
Usually, no. Most of your "speaking" in Family Court happens through Affidavits (see above). These are written documents where you tell your story under oath.
The Rule: If it’s not in an affidavit filed before the hearing, the judge might not let you talk about it in court.
Tone Matters: Avoid using your affidavit to insult your ex-partner. Stick to facts: "On June 5th, the child was not returned at 6:00 PM," rather than "My partner is a terrible, lazy parent."
Very few family cases go to a final trial. Most are settled at a Case Conference or Settlement Conference. These are meetings with a judge to see if you can agree on some (or all) issues.
The Judge’s Role: At a conference, the judge will give you their "opinion" on what might happen at trial. Listen closely, this is a huge hint on how to settle.
