Chapter 7 of 10Study notes and practice quiz
The Justice System: Courts, Police and Your Rights
Due process, the presumption of innocence, the courts and the police: the short chapter that is easy points on the test.
- 5 minreading
- 21questions
- 75%pass mark
- Oct 2026updated
Would you pass today?
The real test needs 15 of 20 correct. Find out how you score on chapter 7, The justice system, before it counts.
Your best score: not taken yet
Start the quiz →- Free
- No sign-up
- Retake any time
A failed attempt can take weeks or months to reschedule. Practise until you are sure.
Key facts in 60 seconds
- The justice system guarantees due process: the government must respect your legal rights.
- Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
- The Supreme Court of Canada is the country’s highest court.
- The RCMP enforces federal laws everywhere and is the provincial police in all provinces except Ontario and Quebec.
- If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid is available free or at low cost in most communities.
What principles is Canada’s justice system based on?
Canada’s justice system is based on due process, the presumption of innocence and the rule of law. Laws are made by elected representatives and apply to everyone.
- Due processThe government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law.
- Presumption of innocenceIn criminal matters, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
- Rule of lawEveryone, including judges, politicians and the police, must obey the law.
How are Canada’s courts organized?
The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court. The Federal Court of Canada deals with matters involving the federal government, and the provinces run appeal courts, trial courts and lower courts.
| Court | Role |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court of Canada | The highest court in the country. |
| Federal Court of Canada | Matters involving the federal government. |
| Provincial appeal and trial courts | Most provinces have both. |
| Lower provincial courts | Lesser offences, family court, traffic court and small claims court for civil cases involving small amounts of money. |
What do the police do, and who is the RCMP?
The police keep people safe and enforce the law. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police enforces federal laws throughout Canada and serves as the provincial police in all provinces and territories except Ontario and Quebec.
Ontario and Quebec have their own provincial police forces, and there are municipal police departments in all provinces. You can ask the police for help after an accident, if you are robbed or assaulted, if you see a crime or if someone is missing.
You can question the police about their service or conduct. Almost all police forces have a process for raising concerns.
The RCMP is the provincial police everywhere except Ontario and Quebec, which have their own provincial police.
Where can you get legal help?
Lawyers can advise you and represent you in court. If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid services are available free of charge or at low cost in most communities.
Quick review before the quiz
Check these facts before you start the quiz.
- Due process, presumption of innocence, rule of law.
- Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court.
- RCMP: federal laws everywhere; provincial police except Ontario and Quebec.
- Legal aid is available free or at low cost.
Test what you remember with the 21-question chapter 7 quiz.
Sources
These notes are an independent summary written to help you study. The official guide, Discover Canada, should be your primary resource. Canadianow is not affiliated with IRCC.
Chapter 7 practice quiz
Questions
Chapter 7 FAQ
What is the highest court in Canada?
The Supreme Court of Canada.
What does the RCMP do?
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police enforces federal laws throughout Canada and serves as the provincial police in all provinces and territories except Ontario and Quebec, as well as in some municipalities.
What does “presumption of innocence” mean?
In criminal matters, everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty.
