Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Law

Learning Objectives - Describe the sources of our laws - Explain the doctrine of stare decisis and how it is applied by the courts - Describe the difference between common law and equitable principles, and how they are applied today in British Columbia - Describe how the federal, provincial and municipal governments obtain their power to pass statutes, and give an example of a law each level might pass - Give an example of a public law matter and a private law matter - Discuss the historical basis of our real property law - Identify and describe the jurisdiction of the two trial courts in British Columbia - Describe the appeal process for each court - Distinguish between the role of the trial court and the appellate court - List and describe the steps in a typical court case - Discuss why many cases are settled before trial - List and describe the various methods of enforcing a judgment - Explain the purpose of limitation periods