Foundations of Canadian Law (M3040)
Foundations of Canadian Law
Module M3040
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 4
Module Outline
Foundations of the Canadian legal system is an introductory course that will expose students to the structure of Canadian government and the different functions of Parliament, the executive, and the judiciary. Students will be introduced to the powers of judicial review and the different constitutional constraints on the exercise of judicial, legal and political power in Canada. In addition to this, students will learn how to interpret statutes using the modern and dynamic approach to statutory interpretation and will analyse complex social and legal issues using different theoretical lenses including critical legal theory, law & economics and critical race theory. The content for this module has been modelled on the National Committee of Accreditation (NCA) syllabus for Foundations of Canadian Law and is intended to support students who will be going on to write the NCA exam in Foundations upon return to Canada.
Full Module Description
Foundations of the Canadian legal system is an introductory course that will expose students to the structure of Canadian government and the different functions of Parliament, the executive, and the judiciary. Students will be introduced to the powers of judicial review and the different constitutional constraints on the exercise of judicial, legal and political power in Canada. In addition to this, students will learn how to interpret statutes using the modern and dynamic approach to statutory interpretation and will analyse complex social and legal issues using different theoretical lenses including critical legal theory, law & economics and critical race theory. The content for this module has been modelled on the National Committee of Accreditation (NCA) syllabus for Foundations of Canadian Law and is intended to support students who will be going on to write the NCA exam in Foundations upon return to Canada.
Module learning outcomes
Understand the organisation of political and legal power in Canada, including the functions of Parliament, the legislature, the executive and the judicial branches.
Differentiate and analyse social and legal issues through the application of different theories of law.
Comprehend and communicate the different sources of Canadian law (including Aboriginal sources).
Communicate and apply the modern approach to statutory interpretation.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio (1000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 80.00% |
| Multiple Choice questions | Spring Semester Week 8 Mon | 20.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 10101010101 |
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 01010101010 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Sabrina Gilani
Convenor
/profiles/355061
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.