Legal Studies 30:

Ms. Stiff
ajstiff@cbe.ab.ca
Mr. Von
ggvonm@cbe.ab.ca

Welcome to Legal Studies 30!

This course is intended to give you a more specialized knowledge about the various
types and kinds of law as they exist in our society. Using your background from Legal
Studies 20, this course will focus on the nature and process of our court system,
including the Criminal process and the Civil process.
This is a module-based course, consisting of five separate modules concerning
particular aspects of the legal system. Each module is worth 1 credit. In order for
you to pass and obtain credit for a module, you must obtain a mark of at least 50
percent in that module. If you satisfactorily complete all five modules, you will
receive five credits for this course. If you complete only three of the modules, you
will only receive three credits.
The structure of the course is as follows:
Module 1: The Law of Negligence (LGST 3040)
An examination of the elements of negligence, including standard of care,
causation, duty of care, damages, defences to negligence and special types of
liability.
The process of suing in civil court.
An examination of challenging issues in Negligence Law

Module 2: Criminal Law (LGST 3080)

An examination of the Canadian Criminal Justice System, including such topics
as the criminal process, the role of police, the role of the crown and defense,
criminal sanctions and consequences and challenging issues in criminal law.
The structure and source of Canadian Criminal Law.
An examination of the trial process, including the use and exclusion of evidence.
Module 3: Landmark Decisions (LGST 3070)
An examination of the nature and consequence of a Landmark Decision,
including the impact that a decision has upon individuals and society
An examination of the role of the courts and government legislation in
determining the outcome of landmark cases.
An examination of the concept of precedent
Research and discuss various examples of landmark decisions, including the
reasoning behind the decision and the arguments used by the various sides
involved in the case.
Module 4: Dispute Resolution (LGST 3020)
An examination of the various traditional and alternative dispute resolution
methods, including Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration, Adjudication (Court).
A comparison of the various types of dispute resolution in terms of advantages,
disadvantages, and desired outcomes.
A look at the various challenging issues facing the resolving disputes, including
cost, jurisdiction and social desirability.
Module 5: Small Business Law (LGST 3050)
An examination of laws relating to starting a business, running a business and
ending a business.

Evaluation:
Your work and effort in this class will be assessed and evaluated on a continuing
basis. Each module will consist of various individual and group assignments and
activities, quizzes and tests. Most modules will consist of the following mark breakdown
- Assignments, Activities and Quizzes: 70-80 %
- Final Module Tests: 20-30%
For project based modules, the weighting of the project will be up to 80%. Students
will be informed to weighting before each module commences.
Projects might include, but are no means limited to the following:
- A formal and structured debate about a particular legal issue
- Creation of a law related website
- An in-class interview and talk show with an individual in a law related
career.
- Publication of a law related journal
- A research paper on a law related issue
Late Policy: Please hand your work in on time. Late assignments will be penalized up
to 10 percent per day.
MARK APPEALS PROCESS:
It is the policy of every teacher at John G. Diefenbaker to award marks for
student work in an objective, fair and consistent manner. If a student wishes to
appeal a mark, he or she must first discuss the situation with the teacher. If a
resolution is not possible, the matter can then be brought to the Curriculum
Leader for CTS. If necessary, an appeal can be made to the Principal, who is the
final authority for all mark appeals.
1. Responsibility of Parent/Guardian: If a student will be absent for an examination,
it is required that:
a) the parent/guardian notify the teacher by phone on or before the day of the
examination, or
b) the parent/guardian write a signed note to the teacher in advance of the absence,
or

c) the teacher receives a signed note by the parent/guardian the day the student
returns to class.
2. Responsibility of Student: The student will be expected to have completed all
missed assignments during his/her absence and will be required to write an
equivalent exam UPON HIS/HER RETURN TO SCHOOL in consultation with the
teacher or a mark of ZERO will be assigned.
1. ATTENDANCE/LATES: As regular attendance is essential for learning, it is
expected that all students will read and adhere to the school's Attendance and
Late Policy as outlined in the Student Agenda.
2. HOMEWORK: This is an integral part of the learning process. Each student
is expected to complete all assignments.
3. SUPPLIES: Students are required to bring the following supplies to class
each day: binder with lined paper, pen, pencil and eraser, textbook.
4. EXTRA HELP: Any student who is having difficulty should make every
attempt to seek help from the teacher. I am available after school and during
periods 1&2 in the Humanities office. Please do not hesitate to ask me
questions.
5. CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR: Each student is expected to respect his or her
teacher and fellow classmates and to ensure a quiet and positive working
atmosphere.