Academic Calendar 2025-2026

Certificate in Law

LAW 201  Introduction to Canadian Law  Units: 3.00  
Introduction to Canadian Law is designed for students from all disciplines, all ages, and all walks of life. The course provides students with an introduction to the Canadian legal and judicial systems.
You'll learn where our laws come from, how Quebec and the rest of Canada operate under different legal systems, and how our government and courts are structured. You'll get to know the role of lawyers and judges in our society. You'll get brief -- but thorough -- introductions of Canadian law: Public & Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Contracts, Property Law, Corporate Law, Workplace Law, Intellectual Property Law and International Law.
Requirements: LAW 2## Exclusions  
Course Equivalencies: LAW201; LAW201B  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. .
  
LAW 202  Aboriginal Law  Units: 3.00  
The relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state has never before been quite so prominent. Yet it remains as complex as ever. The news is full of terms such as "Aboriginal rights", "Indigenous self-determination", "UNDRIP", the "doctrine of discovery", and the "intergenerational trauma" of the residential school system. LAW 202/702 Aboriginal Law explores these key themes and concepts, getting at the heart of the complex relationship between the Canadian state and Indigenous peoples, exploring both the historical roots, the evolution of treaty and policy frameworks, and the current effects of the many issues involved in this dynamic and sometimes fragmented relationship. Only by better understanding the history and current challenges of the interactions between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state can we hope to move forward on the path to reconciliation.
Requirements: LAW 2## Exclusions  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  
  
LAW 203  Workplace Law  Units: 3.00  
For most Canadians, the laws that govern work relations are a critical determinant of income, satisfaction, fairness, safety, and ultimately, fulfillment. In Workplace Law, you will learn about the various legal regimes that regulate work relations: the common law regime; the regulatory regime which includes employment standards, health and safety rules, and human rights; and the collective bargaining regime that applies to unionized workplaces. Get to know one of the fastest-evolving and active areas in law: change is the only constant as workplaces are affected by economic, historical, political and global forces.
You will finish this course with an understanding of the legal and social issues at play in the laws that apply to work.
Requirements: LAW 2## Exclusions  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Describe the historical, economic, and political context of workplace regulation in Canada.
  2. Describe the overlapping regulatory systems applying to the workplace.
  3. Apply basic legal reasoning within the context of workplace regulation.
  4. Extract relevant legal issues from specific situations within Canadian workplaces.
  5. Argue a legal position resulting from a workplace issue.
  6. Describe the impact of global changes on workplace regulation and prospects for reform.
  
LAW 204  Corporate Law  Units: 3.00  
Law 204/704 Corporate Law is intended to give students an introduction to corporate law, with a primary focus on the creation, structure and animus of the corporation. Corporate Law will introduce students to the basic legal concepts associated with business and corporate structures, shareholder and partnership agreements, corporate governance and financing, and the protection of intellectual property.
This course will provide students with an understanding of business associations, securities regulation and banking, as well as examining sources of business regulation. Similar to the approach employed by business schools which emphasize case-based analysis, the course will ask students to apply the concepts learned to specific case and problem scenarios. From how a company is structured to how businesses are regulated, Law 204/704 Corporate Law is an absolute must for anyone in business.
Requirements: LAW 2## Exclusions  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  
  
LAW 205  Public & Constitutional Law  Units: 3.00  
Law 205/705 Public and Constitutional Law provides an overview of general principles of public law, focusing on the institutions and organs of government, the sources and nature of the legal rules that create them, and the limits on their powers. The course also introduces the essential elements of the Canadian legal system, such as democracy, the rule of law, constitutional supremacy, parliamentary sovereignty, judicial independence and federalism.
The course will cover the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as those aboriginal and treaty rights guaranteed by s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Requirements: LAW 2## Exclusions  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Distinguish between public and private law.
  2. Apply the hierarchy of public law rules.
  3. Summarize Canada’s gradual constitutional evolution from a colony of the United Kingdom to an independent country.
  4. Assess the constitutional basis for the protection of human rights in Canada.
  5. Compare the roles and responsibilities of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
  6. Evaluate the interaction between the three branches of government and the appropriate institutional relationships between them.
  7. Differentiate between legal and political constitutionalism and accountability.
  
LAW 206  Intellectual Property  Units: 3.00  
Whether you're an entrepreneur, writer, artist, coder, or inventor, you are in the Intellectual Property business. Law 206/706 Intellectual Property Law offers a general overview of intellectual property law in Canada, from a practical perspective. It explores trade secrets and patentable inventions, how to recognize and protect trademarks, when copyright applies and when it's infringed, and reviews typical license terms. Students will learn the forms of intellectual property protection available, and why it's important to their future careers and/or business ventures. Learn how to protect your creations, or how best to work with others in bringing great ideas to life with Law 206/706 Intellectual Property Law.
Requirements: LAW 2## Exclusions  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  
  
LAW 207  International Law  Units: 3.00  
Students will learn the fundamentals of public International Law and the international legal order. Topics to be covered include the United Nations, treaties, sovereign immunity, the law of war, international criminal law, and international human rights law. Students will discuss international legal issues of contemporary and timeless significance.
Requirements: LAW 2## Exclusions  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify the sources and subjects of international law and the structure of the international legal order.
  2. Analyze fact scenarios in which international legal issues arise.
  3. Discuss the role of international law in the modern world.
  4. Develop the skills to research in depth an international legal topic.
  5. Connect international law with Canadian law and society.
  6. Critique the structure of the international legal order.
  
LAW 208  Criminal Law  Units: 3.00  
You will learn about the components of the criminal justice system and the fundamentals of criminal law. Some of the topics that will be explored include the sources of criminal law, the role of the Charter in criminal law, the elements of criminal offences, defences, and sentencing.
Requirements: LAW 2## Exclusions  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Understand the sources of criminal law and the structure of the criminal justice system.
  2. Learn the elements of criminal offenses and defenses and be able to analyze fact scenarios in which criminal law issues arise.
  3. Understand the purposes and principles of sentencing, how the Charter of Rights and Freedoms shapes sentencing and punishment, and how criminal law has responded to disparities in the criminal justice system.
  4. Understand how criminal law operates in the real world (especially as it relates to plea bargaining), and how institutions of punishment are often at odds with the justifying aims of punishment.
  5. Learn to develop effective legal communication skills through case analysis, argumentation, and critical evaluation of legal issues in criminal law. 
  
LAW 701  Introduction to Canadian Law  Units: 3.00  
Introduction to Canadian Law is designed for students from all disciplines, all ages, and all walks of life. The course provides students with an introduction to the Canadian legal and judicial systems. You'll learn where our laws come from, how Quebec and the rest of Canada operate under different legal systems, and how our government and courts are structured. You'll get to know the role of lawyers and judges in our society. You'll get brief -- but thorough -- introductions of Canadian law: Public & Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Contracts, Property Law, Corporate Law, Workplace Law, Intellectual Property Law and International Law.
Requirements: CLAW Cert  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Explain the structure of the Canadian legal system and how it fits in an international context.
  2. Apply legal principles and basic legal reasoning to a set of facts.
  3. Examine how the law affects your everyday life.
  
LAW 702  Aboriginal Law  Units: 3.00  
Take a deep look at Aboriginal law in Canada. Reconciliation between the Canadian state and the Aboriginal peoples of Canada is a central concern of Canadian law in the 21st century, one that reaches into every sector of Canadian society. Resource development, environmental regulation, the criminal justice system, constitutional politics, international relations, intellectual property rights, social welfare policy, cultural development, health care services, education, and language policy are only some of the areas where an understanding of the law relating to Aboriginal peoples has become an urgent necessity.
This course will introduce students to the historical, social and political forces at play in developing the legal framework surrounding the relationship between the Canadian state and the Aboriginal peoples of Canada and discuss new developments that are reshaping the legal landscape.
Requirements: CLAW Cert  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Describe some of the major historical, social, and political forces impacting the development and evolution of the legal framework between the Canadian state and the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.
  2. Explain the main points of interaction between the Canadian legal system and the Aboriginal peoples of Canada in areas such as resource development, the criminal justice system, and social welfare.
  3. Describe the importance of Indigenous legal traditions in Canada to current and future reconciliation between the Canadian state and Aboriginal peoples.
  4. Contrast Western and Indigenous traditions of legal reasoning and argumentation.
  5. Describe current legal issues affecting Aboriginal peoples of Canada within the broader context of the world’s Indigenous peoples.
  6. Evaluate the impact of international standards on Canadian Aboriginal Law, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
  
LAW 703  Workplace Law  Units: 3.00  
For most Canadians, the laws that govern work relations are a critical determinant of income, satisfaction, fairness, safety, and ultimately, fulfillment. In Workplace Law, you will learn about the various legal regimes that regulate work relations: the common law regime; the regulatory regime which includes employment standards, health and safety rules, and human rights; and the collective bargaining regime that applies to unionized workplaces. Get to know one of the fastest-evolving and active areas in law: change is the only constant as workplaces are affected by economic, historical, political and global forces. You will finish this course with an understanding of the legal and social issues at play in the laws that apply to work.
Requirements: CLAW Cert  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Describe the historical, economic, and political context of workplace regulation in Canada.
  2. Describe the overlapping regulatory systems applying to the workplace.
  3. Apply basic legal reasoning within the context of workplace regulation.
  4. Extract relevant legal issues from specific situations within Canadian workplaces.
  5. Argue a legal position resulting from a workplace issue.
  6. Describe the impact of global changes on workplace regulation and prospects for reform.
  
LAW 704  Corporate Law  Units: 3.00  
Corporate Law is intended to give students an introduction to corporate law, with a primary focus on the creation, structure and animus of the corporation. As we move to a highly fluid, dynamic, global and entrepreneurial business environment, many students will be seeking opportunities to start or participate in new ventures, and the proposed course will be an invaluable addition to the knowledge they will need to be successful. The course will provide students with an understanding of business associations, securities regulation and banking, as well as examining sources of business regulation.
Requirements: CLAW Cert  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Describe how the creation of business strategies and structures are influenced by law.
  2. Identify sources of potential liability (civil, regulatory, and criminal) for a business.
  3. Assess the impact of laws on potential liability of a business.
  4. Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of various corporate structures.
  5. Apply processes required to develop an appropriate business structure.
  6. Assess the relevance of corporate agreements to each stakeholder.
  7. Assess the appropriate strategies for financing a business.
  8. Describe foundational concepts of intellectual property relevant to a business.
  
LAW 705  Public & Constitutional Law  Units: 3.00  
Public & Constitutional Law provides an overview of general principles of public law, focusing on the institutions and organs of government, the sources and nature of the legal rules that create them, and the limits on their powers. The course also introduces the essential elements of the Canadian legal system, such as democracy, the rule of law, constitutional supremacy, parliamentary sovereignty, judicial independence and federalism. The course will cover the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as those aboriginal and treaty rights guaranteed by s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Requirements: CLAW Cert  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Distinguish between public and private law.
  2. Apply the hierarchy of public law rules.
  3. Summarize Canada’s gradual constitutional evolution from a colony of the United Kingdom to an independent country.
  4. Assess the constitutional basis for the protection of human rights in Canada.
  5. Compare the roles and responsibilities of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
  6. Evaluate the interaction between the three branches of government and the appropriate institutional relationships between them.
  7. Differentiate between legal and political constitutionalism and accountability.
  
LAW 706  Intellectual Property  Units: 3.00  
Whether you're an entrepreneur, writer, artist, coder, or inventor, you are in the Intellectual Property business. Law 206/706 Intellectual Property Law offers a general overview of intellectual property law in Canada, from a practical perspective. It explores trade secrets and patentable inventions, how to recognize and protect trademarks, when copyright applies and when it's infringed, and reviews typical license terms. Students will learn the forms of intellectual property protection available, and why it's important to their future careers and/or business ventures. Learn how to protect your creations, or how best to work with others in bringing great ideas to life with Law 206/706 Intellectual Property Law.
Requirements: CLAW Cert  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  
  
LAW 707  International Law  Units: 3.00  
In an increasingly globalized world, law draws everything together. International law is a binding force around the world, and understanding international legal issues will give you an edge in everything from understanding the nightly news to becoming a true global citizen.
Law 207/707 International Law delves into the fundamentals of public international law and the international legal order including topics such as the United Nations, treaties, sovereign immunity, the law of war, international criminal law, international human rights law, and more. Students will discuss international legal issues of contemporary and timeless significance.
Requirements: CLAW Cert  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify the sources and subjects of international law and the structure of the international legal order.
  2. Analyze fact scenarios in which international legal issues arise.
  3. Discuss the role of international law in the modern world.
  4. Develop the skills to research in depth an international legal topic.
  5. Connect international law with Canadian law and society.
  6. Critique the structure of the international legal order.
  
LAW 708  Criminal Law  Units: 3.00  
You will learn about the components of the criminal justice system and the fundamentals of criminal law. Some of the topics that will be explored include the sources of criminal law, the role of the Charter in criminal law, the elements of criminal offences, defences, and sentencing.
Requirements: CLAW Cert  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Law