Branch of law that governs the relationship between individuals
Civil (private law)
civil action begins when the plaintiff files a lawsuit against a defendant. Civil action ends when court rules in favour of plaintiff or defendant and both parties accept this decision
Civil (private law)
If one party appeals the case ends when court of appeal affirms or rejects the original decision
Criminal (public law)
Branch of law that governs relationship between individuals and the state
Criminal (public law)
Criminal case begins when the Crown attorney on behalf of the state files changes against someone who allegedly committed a crime. Case ends when the accused is found guilty, sentenced, found innocent and released
Precedent
stare decisis is the basis of Canadian court decisions. Once the disputed legal issue has been settled, the precedent must follow in all subsequent cases that deals with the same issues and facts
