Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - POL 151 D900

Justice and Law (3)

Class Number: 4885

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Mar 2, 2021
    Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 23, 2021
    Fri, 11:59–11:59 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The development of laws and their application to the citizen and social groups. Special consideration will be given to civil liberties. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to the Canadian judicial system. Students will learn about the different components and functions of the courts and the role of judges. The course will also explore the basics of the criminal law. In the latter part of the semester, students will learn about the place of the courts in Canada's wider political system and encounter answers to questions like the following: How do courts affect political decision-making through their decisions? How is the judicial system is informed by political processes? How has the role of the court changed since the passage of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

At the conclusion of this course students will have an understanding of the function and evolution of Canada's judicial system. They will develop skills necessary to read, comprehend, evaluate, and apply particular Supreme Court decisions. Finally, they will learn about the continuing challenges in Canada today regarding the pursuit of justice and the rule of law.

Course Format:

The two-hour lecture will be live via Zoom, with a recording available for students who are unable to attend at the scheduled time.

Tutorials will be live via Zoom and start in Week Two.

Grading

  • Participation (both lecture and tutorial) 10%
  • Group presentation in tutorial 15%
  • Synchronous Open-Book Midterm 20%
  • Written assignment outline 5%
  • Written assignment 20%
  • Synchronous Open-Book Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Hausegger, Lori, Matthew Hennigar and Troy Riddell. Canadian Courts: Law, Politics and Process. Oxford University Press. 2015.


ISBN: 9780199002498

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).