Crim 1160 Final Exam Study Guide
Latest Updated Guide 2025/2026
Law Schools - ansTerm used to refer to Faculties of Law at specific universities. Students
gain admission to these institutions after completing an undergraduate degree, or a portion
thereof, from a recognized university; one cannot attend directly from secondary school
Law Societies - ansProvincial associations (which can be subsets of the Canadian Bar
Association) that license lawyers to practice in each province in Canada. Licenses are granted
after a period of articling and successful completion of Bar Admission examinations
Articling - ansAn LL.B. Graduate's period of learning in a legal setting and further series of
tests referred to as Bar Admissions. Only upon successful completion of these criteria can a
person be called to the bar of a province, and practice law
Law School Admissions Test - ansAn aptitude test developed in the US as a means of
determining suitability for legal education and the practice of law. Often criticized for its
cultural ethnocentricity and its lack of useful performance indicators, remains a requirement
for admission to Canada's law schools
LL.B. Degree - ansBachelor of Laws degree granted from a law school in recognition that its
holder has completed a university-mandated legal education. This degree alone does not
entitle the holder to practice law in Canada
Canadian Judicial Council - ansCreated by Parliament in 1971, its statutory mandate is to set
out Judges Act, which states that the council is established to "promote efficiency and
uniformity, and to improve the quality of judicial service" in Canada's federally appointed
courts. The council, which has 39 members and is chaired by the Chief Justice in Canada, is
responsible for the disciplinary measures concerning all federally appointed judges
Provincial Court - ansLowest in the hierarchy of Canada's court system. The trial courts have
4 divisions: criminal, youth, small claims, and family. 90% of all criminal offences are heard
in this court's criminal division
Superior Courts of the Province - ansTwo divisions: Trial Division: hears the most significant
criminal and civil cases Appeal Division: hears all appeals prior to possible consideration by
the SCC
Supreme Court of Canada - ansThe court of last resort since 1949, has 9 justices and hears
appeals in relation to significant criminal and civil cases, and references regarding
constitutional matters
Summary Conviction Offences - ansCrimes specified in the Criminal Code that are
considered to be less serious than others and that carry a maximum sentence of a fine of no
more than $2000 or six months of incarceration
Indictable Offences - ansThose crimes in the Criminal Code that are considered to be very
serious and that carry substantial penalties
Hybrid Offences - ansCrimes in the Criminal Code for which the Crown Attorney may decide
(elect) whether to proceed by summary conviction or indictment by assessing the nature of
the case and the facts evident before trial
Federal Court of Canada - ansComposed of two divisions: Trial Division: Has original
jurisdiction in most cases where relief is claimed against the Crown as well as exclusive
jurisdiction for judicial review of most decisions of federal boards, commissions, or other
tribunals. The court's jurisdiction also includes interprovincial and federal-provincial
disputes, intellectual property proceedings, admiralty matters, immigration proceedings,
matters pertaining to the Charter, citizenship appeals, and appeals under certain federal
statutes. The Appeal Division: Hears appeals from the Trial Division
