What are Canadian laws intended to do?

According to Discover Canada, Canada's laws have three intended purposes: to provide order in society, to settle disputes peacefully, and to express the values and beliefs of Canadians.

This understanding of law is rooted in the rule of law, described in Discover Canada as one of Canada's founding principles. Individuals and governments are regulated by laws and not by arbitrary actions. No person or group is above the law. The rule of law in Canada applies to everyone, including judges, politicians and the police.

Canada's legal system draws on a heritage that includes the rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles, and due process. Due process is the principle that the government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law.

The threefold purpose of law explains why Canadian laws are not just about punishment. They create order (so daily life is predictable), resolve conflicts peacefully (through courts rather than violence), and reflect what Canadians value (such as equality, freedom of expression, and protection of minorities).

The court system supports these purposes. The Supreme Court of Canada is the country's highest court. The Federal Court of Canada deals with matters concerning the federal government. Provinces have appeal courts and trial courts (sometimes called the Court of Queen's Bench or the Supreme Court), plus provincial courts for lesser offences, family courts, traffic courts, and small claims courts.