The Justice System: Citizenship Test Practice Questions

1. The presumption of guilt
2. Trial by ordeal
3. The presumption of innocence ✓ Correct answer
4. Guilt by association

Why: Canada's justice system is founded on the presumption of innocence in criminal matters.

1. The accused must prove they are innocent
2. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty ✓ Correct answer
3. Police decide who is guilty
4. Only citizens can be found innocent

Why: Under the presumption of innocence, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

1. Government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to ✓ Correct answer
2. Courts must decide cases within one week
3. Police may act without legal limits
4. Accused persons must pay for their own trial

Why: Due process is the principle that the government must respect all the legal rights a person is entitled to under the law.

1. Rule by royal decree
2. Military law for civilians
3. Rule by the governing party
4. The rule of law and freedom under the law ✓ Correct answer

Why: Canada's legal system rests on the rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles and due process.

1. The Federal Court of Canada
2. The Court of King's Bench
3. The Supreme Court of Canada ✓ Correct answer
4. The provincial court of appeal

Why: The Supreme Court of Canada is the country's highest court.

1. Five
2. Nine ✓ Correct answer
3. Seven
4. Twelve

Why: The Supreme Court of Canada has nine judges, appointed by the Governor General on the Prime Minister's advice.

1. The Federal Court of Canada ✓ Correct answer
2. Small claims court
3. Family court
4. Traffic court

Why: The Federal Court of Canada deals with matters concerning the federal government.

1. A Senate court and a royal court
2. A military court and a church court
3. A federal court and a municipal court
4. An appeal court and a trial court ✓ Correct answer

Why: Most provinces have an appeal court and a trial court, sometimes called the Court of King's Bench or the Supreme Court.

1. The Privy Council
2. The House of Assembly
3. The Court of King's Bench ✓ Correct answer
4. The Court of Elections

Why: A provincial trial court is sometimes called the Court of King's Bench (formerly Queen's Bench) or the Supreme Court.

1. Supreme Court of Canada
2. Small claims court ✓ Correct answer
3. Federal Court of Canada
4. Court of appeal

Why: Small claims courts handle civil cases involving small amounts of money.

1. Traffic court ✓ Correct answer
2. Family court
3. Federal Court
4. Small claims court

Why: Traffic courts deal with minor driving offences.

1. Traffic court
2. Federal Court
3. Small claims court
4. Family court ✓ Correct answer

Why: Family courts handle family matters such as divorce and custody.

1. The Supreme Court of Canada
2. The Federal Court of Canada
3. Provincial courts ✓ Correct answer
4. The Senate

Why: Provincial courts handle lesser offences, alongside family, traffic and small claims courts.

1. A senator
2. A lawyer ✓ Correct answer
3. A police officer
4. A returning officer

Why: Lawyers can help with legal problems and represent you in court.

1. Free legal services to people who cannot afford a lawyer ✓ Correct answer
2. Free police protection for businesses
3. Loans for court fines
4. Help filing tax returns

Why: In most areas, legal aid services provide free legal help to those in need.

1. To pass new laws
2. To decide court cases
3. To run federal elections
4. To keep people safe and enforce the law ✓ Correct answer

Why: Police exist to protect citizens and make sure the law is followed.

1. The Ontario Provincial Police
2. The Sûreté du Québec
3. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) ✓ Correct answer
4. Municipal police forces

Why: The RCMP enforces federal laws throughout Canada.

1. Alberta and British Columbia
2. Ontario and Quebec ✓ Correct answer
3. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
4. Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Why: The RCMP serves as provincial police everywhere except Ontario and Quebec (and in some municipalities).

1. Military police
2. Senate police
3. No police force
4. Municipal police forces ✓ Correct answer

Why: Most major cities have municipal police forces; there are municipal police departments in all provinces.

1. Nothing; police cannot be questioned
2. Refuse to obey all laws
3. Make a complaint through the proper channels ✓ Correct answer
4. Ask the Senate to fire the officer

Why: Police are subject to the law; you can ask questions or make a complaint if you have concerns about their conduct.