This text is designed to provide those planning careers in the Canadian justice system or who will be working with people impacted by various aspects of the system, with the foundational knowledge needed to understand the way the various facets of the Canadian justice system work. 

 

Covering where our laws come from, why they are implemented in a particular way, how they are used, by whom and when, the book provides the background required by anyone beginning a practical study of Canadian laws.

 

This edition has been updated to reflect statutory changes and case references, and the latest statistical information. It includes additional sample cases, and new sections on videos and violence, and aboriginal over-representation in prisons.

 

Police Officers – The book provides information regarding criminal law and criminal procedure of fundamental importance to police officers as well as instruction on how to read statutes and how to distinguish between laws that are created by the federal, provincial, territorial or municipal levels of government. It also provides information on civil and administrative law and explains how such law can impact the daily functioning of a police officer.

 

Correctional Workers – The corrections field is a shared responsibility in Canada, with both federal and provincial levels of government playing a significant role. Someone interested in a career in this field will benefit from the book’s explanation of the division of law-making responsibilities as well as the limits set by government-created statutes that provide the initial power to provide correctional services and regulations which set parameters on how that power is exercised. The book provides essential information regarding criminal law and procedure as well.

 

Social Workers, Victim Support Workers and Mediators – The book provides the background required to explain the workings of the criminal justice system to clients.