All people in Canada have a responsibility to know and follow the law. Our daily lives are governed by laws and regulations. Most Canadians encounter the law at some point in their lives. Many people have legal responsibilities in their workplace. A death, marriage or divorce can bring people into contact with the law. Laws can help us avoid conflict with one another and interact in an ethical manner.
The role of the police is a complex and important one within the justice system. Police are responsible to uphold the law. If they think that a law has been violated, the police will investigate and collect evidence. If they have sufficient evidence the police will lay charges. The police are also responsible to uphold the rights of the accused and follow the appropriate procedures. Protecting the public is part of their role. They do this through roadside checks for impaired driving, providing security at major ceremonies or events, providing education in schools and being visible in the community.
The courts exist to ensure that the law is applied fairly. Different courts have different purposes. A court can decide upon issues of child custody and the details of a marital separation. A court may determine the level of responsibility a person, corporation or government might have in a certain circumstance. A court may determine if a criminal act was committed. A court may also decide upon an appropriate remedy for a situation or conflict.
The component of the justice system responsible to carry out the punishments determined by the courts is the prison system. Prison can serve to protect the public from the convicted offender. It can offer rehabilitation opportunities such as work training, education or personal development. The existence of prisons may serve as a deterrent; people want to avoid the punishment of prison therefore they are do not commit the offence. There are various types of prisons for the different types of offenders. Youth facilities exist for those under age 18 for example.
The role of the government is to make the law. They are elected by the people to create laws in response to the needs of the country. The different levels of government make policies, regulations and laws that address their respective areas of jurisdiction.