Practice questions, not the official test. Independent study aid. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada or IRCC. Questions are written by ChowChow Labs from the official Discover Canada guide.
Study by topic
The Justice System
A short summary of what to know, then 7 free practice questions with answers.
What to know
Canada’s justice system is based on the rule of law and on traditions going back to the Magna Carta of 1215. Everyone must obey the law, including the Prime Minister, government officials and the police. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and has the right to due process.
The courts decide disputes and interpret the law. The Supreme Court of Canada is the country’s highest court. The Federal Court of Canada handles cases involving federal government bodies and certain federal laws. Provincial courts include small claims courts, which handle civil disputes about relatively small amounts of money, as well as family and youth courts.
Police keep people safe and enforce the law. If you have a concern about how a police officer treated you, you can make a complaint to the appropriate police authority. Canadians are free to get a lawyer’s help with legal problems, and legal aid may be available to those who cannot afford one.
Key facts to remember
- No one is above the law, not even the Prime Minister.
- The courts decide disputes and interpret the law.
- Small claims courts handle civil disputes involving small amounts of money.
- You can complain to the police authority about how an officer treated you.
Read the official chapter
This summary is our own and doesn’t replace the official guide. Read “The Justice System” in Discover Canada on canada.ca, then test yourself below. Next topic: Canadian symbols.
Written by ChowChow Labs from Discover Canada. Last reviewed . Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Question 1 · Justice System
Canadians are free to seek the help of a lawyer to deal with legal problems.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: A. True
Lawyers can help people with legal issues and act for them in court.Source: Discover Canada, “The Justice System”
Question 2 · Justice System
In Canada, everyone, including the Prime Minister, must obey the law.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: A. True
Under the rule of law, no one is above the law, including government leaders and police.Source: Discover Canada, “The Justice System”
Question 3 · Justice System
What kind of cases does a small claims court usually handle?
- A. Murder trials
- B. Civil disputes involving relatively small amounts of money
- C. Appeals of Supreme Court rulings
- D. Federal elections disputes only
Show answer
Answer: B. Civil disputes involving relatively small amounts of money
Small claims courts settle lower-value civil disputes more quickly and simply than higher courts.Source: Discover Canada, “The Justice System”
Question 4 · Justice System
What can you do if you have a concern about how a police officer treated you?
- A. Make a complaint to the appropriate police authority
- B. Refuse to obey all laws
- C. Ask the Senate to fire the officer
- D. Nothing; police actions cannot be questioned
Show answer
Answer: A. Make a complaint to the appropriate police authority
Police are accountable; people can question their conduct by filing a complaint through the proper channels.Source: Discover Canada, “The Justice System”
Question 5 · Justice System
Which historic English document from 1215 is a source of Canadian legal traditions?
- A. The Royal Proclamation
- B. Magna Carta
- C. The Quebec Act
- D. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Show answer
Answer: B. Magna Carta
Magna Carta, the Great Charter of Freedoms from 1215, is a foundation of Canadian freedoms and rule of law.Source: Discover Canada, “The Justice System”
Question 6 · Justice System
Which court handles disputes involving federal government bodies and certain federal-law matters?
- A. The Senate
- B. Small claims court
- C. Municipal council
- D. The Federal Court of Canada
Show answer
Answer: D. The Federal Court of Canada
The Federal Court hears many claims against or involving the federal Crown and federal agencies.Source: Discover Canada, “The Justice System”
Question 7 · Justice System
Who decides disputes and interprets the law in Canada?
- A. The police
- B. The Governor General
- C. The courts
- D. Political parties
Show answer
Answer: C. The courts
The courts form the judicial branch, which settles disputes and interprets laws.Source: Discover Canada, “The Justice System”
Ready for the real thing?
Take a full 20-question mock exam with a 45-minute clock, scored like test day. You don’t need an account. Sign in free to save your results and flags and track your progress.
More free practice
- Free Canadian citizenship practice test
- Citizenship Mock Exam 1 with answers
- Citizenship Mock Exam 2 with answers
- Citizenship Mock Exam 3 with answers
- Citizenship Mock Exam 4 with answers
- Citizenship Mock Exam 5 with answers
- Citizenship Mock Exam 6 with answers
- Citizenship Mock Exam 7 with answers