The Canadian courts serve as the judicial branch of the government, with a key responsibility of interpreting laws created and enforced by the legislative and executive branches. Additionally, they resolve disputes between individuals.
The judicial system safeguards individual and societal rights in several ways:
- Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, a fundamental principle now enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- Court proceedings are held in public to ensure transparency and adherence to legal standards.
- Individuals cannot be charged for actions that were not illegal at the time they were committed.
- No one can be compelled to testify at their own trial.
- All accused individuals have the right to legal representation. If they cannot afford a lawyer, the government will provide one.