Overview
This course is designed primarily for students who are interested in learning more about Canada's legal system, its history and development, and trends in Canadian law.
Learning outcomes
After completing LGST 230, you should be able to
- describe what we mean by law in Canada in comparison to other normative systems and explain some leading theories of law.
- describe the two legal systems found in Canada and explain their differences.
- explain the structure of the Canadian legal system and describe the role and function of the judiciary.
- explain the basic principles of Canadian tort, contract, property, business, family, administrative, and criminal law.
- describe the nature and sources of civil liberties in Canada.
- identify the different branches of legal professionals in Canada and describe their educational requirements.
- explain what is meant by access to justice and law reform, and describe some initiatives in both areas.
Evaluation
To receive credit for LGST 230, you must submit five assignments, achieve an overall course grade of D (50 percent) or better, and receive a passing grade of 50 percent or better on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 10% |
| Assignment 2 | 10% |
| Assignment 3 | 10% |
| Assignment 4 | 10% |
| Graded Quiz | 10% |
| Final Exam | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Fairlie, J. (2023) Introduction to law in Canada (3rd ed). Emond Publishing.
Other Resources
All other learning resources will be available online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the LGST 230 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the examination. A letter grade will be given based upon the examination mark awarded.
Challenge for credit course registration form