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Manitoba · Grade 12

Law, Grade 12

  • 40S

Manitoba’s Grade 12 social studies course, from Foundations of Law to Environmental Law.

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Units
10
Lessons
20
Skills
85
Provincial exam
None
Official curriculum
Manitoba Education

Unit by unit

Every skill in the course, with its official code.

Unit 1 · 9 skills

Foundations of Law

The nature and classification of law

  • Defining law and its history

    I can define law and its purpose and trace its historical roots.

    1.1

    Learn itPractice testActivities

  • Classifications of law

    I can differentiate the various classifications of law.

    1.2

    Learn itPractice testActivities

  • Law, mores, and inherent rights

    I can distinguish law from social mores and explore inherent versus conferred rights.

    1.3

    Learn itPractice testActivities

  • First Nations, Métis, and Inuit legal practices

    I can explore First Nations, Métis, and Inuit legal practices and the treaty relationship.

    1.4

    Learn itPractice testActivities

The Canadian legal system

The official wording · 9 outcomes
1.1
Define law and its purpose in society by exploring its history and evolution, including the Code of Hammurabi, the Napoleonic Code, and other historical roots of law.
1.2
Differentiate and develop an understanding of the various classifications of law.
1.3
Distinguish between law and social mores, and explore questions regarding issues such as inherent versus conferred rights and the Doctrine of Discovery/terra nullius.
1.4
Explore First Nations, M
1.5
Describe how and why laws change and the consequences of such changes on society.
1.6
Demonstrate an understanding of how Canada
1.7
Demonstrate an understanding of the jurisdiction and powers of each level of government pertaining to law, as well as the hierarchy of the courts.
1.8
Explore and compare the roles and responsibilities of key individuals in the judiciary system, such as judges, lawyers, and clerks.
1.9
Build knowledge and understanding of key law concepts and terminology, such as case law, habeas corpus, and Rule of Law.

Key ideas

  1. Law is a system of enforceable rules that orders society and resolves disputes.

  2. Laws change through legislation, court decisions, and shifting social values.

  3. Historical roots include the Code of Hammurabi and the Napoleonic Code.

  4. Changes in law can have wide social, economic, and cultural consequences.

  5. Law divides into categories such as substantive and procedural, public and private.

Watch out for

  • Thinking law and morality are the same thing.
  • Thinking laws never change.
  • Thinking law appeared suddenly rather than evolving.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 2 · 9 skills

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Charter's foundations and reach

Charter rights in action

The official wording · 9 outcomes
2.1
Outline the history and evolution of rights in Canada leading to the creation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, such as the
2.2
Describe and assess each section of the Charter, its jurisdiction and enforcement, as well as its general impact on Canadian society.
2.3
Examine the ongoing debate around limitations to our rights and freedoms, as outlined in the reasonable limits clause and the notwithstanding clause, as well as the role of the Supreme Court
2.4
Explore the impact of the Charter and other documents, such as the Royal Proclamation of 1763, land claim agreements, treaties, and the Indian Act, on Aboriginal rights.
2.5
Analyze to what extent the democratic and mobility rights of Canadians are guaranteed and protected under the Charter.
2.6
Outline how the Charter protects your legal and procedural rights and establishes limits on representatives of the criminal justice system, such as the police and the Crown.
2.7
Compare and contrast the concepts of equality and equity in relation to Section 15 of the Charter.
2.8
Describe how minority language rights are protected in the Charter.
2.9
Examine how issues such as women

Key ideas

  1. Rights in Canada evolved through milestones like the Persons Case and the Bill of Rights.

  2. Democratic rights guarantee voting and regular elections; mobility rights allow movement within Canada.

  3. The 1982 Charter entrenched rights in the Constitution, unlike the earlier statutory Bill of Rights.

  4. These rights have limits and have been tested in the courts.

  5. The Charter sets out fundamental freedoms, democratic, mobility, legal, equality, and language rights.

Watch out for

  • Thinking Canadians had no rights before the Charter.
  • Thinking mobility rights are unlimited.
  • Thinking the Bill of Rights was constitutionally entrenched.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 3 · 15 skills

Criminal Law

Foundations of criminal law

Offences and parties to a crime

Investigation, defences, and trial

Sentencing and restorative justice

The official wording · 15 outcomes
3.1
Define the purpose and characteristics of criminal law in Canadian society
3.1
including the Youth Criminal Justice Act
3.1
explore the challenge of finding balance between retribution and rehabilitation that recognizes the legal rights of both the offender and the victim.
3.2
Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of a criminal offence, such as actus reus, mens rea, and absolute liability.
3.3
Describe and analyze criminal offences that involve people, such as homicide, assault, and sexual assault.
3.4
Describe and analyze criminal offences that involve property, such as theft, robbery, and breaking and entering, as well as other criminal offences, such as drug trafficking and possession, identity theft, and fraud.
3.5
Develop an understanding of how persons other than a principal offender can be charged and convicted of a criminal act, such as with charges of conspiracy, attempt, or aiding and abetting.
3.6
Describe the major steps involved in investigation and arrest, including the collection and analysis of evidence, detention, and pretrial release.
3.7
Identify and describe defences for the accused, such as mental state, self-defense, and duress.
3.8
Describe the structure of the Canadian criminal court system and the roles of participants, such as the judge, witnesses, jury, Crown counsel, defence counsel, and other court personnel.
3.9
Describe the steps of a criminal trial, including preliminary inquiry, plea negotiations, opening statement, examination, verdict, and appeal.
3.10
Discuss the various goals of sentencing, such as protection of the public, deterrence, and restitution, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different types of sentences, such as probation, conditional sentences, and incarceration.
3.11
Distinguish between adult sentencing and the procedures for sentencing young offenders, as outlined in the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
3.12
Explore the concept of restorative justice through alternative measures, such as sentencing circles and family group conferencing, as recommended by the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry (1991) and the Gladue ruling (1999).
3.13
Analyze the overrepresentation of Indigenous people incarcerated in Manitoba and in Canada, and how the judicial system is responding to this issue, particularly in light of the recommendations made by the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry (1991) and in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action document (2015).

Key ideas

  1. Criminal law protects society by prohibiting and punishing serious wrongful conduct.

  2. Offences against people include homicide, assault, and sexual assault.

  3. Investigation involves collecting and analysing evidence within legal limits.

  4. Sentencing goals include protecting the public, deterrence, and restitution.

  5. The state prosecutes crimes, which are considered wrongs against society as a whole.

Watch out for

  • Thinking crimes are disputes between individuals.
  • Thinking all homicides are the same offence.
  • Thinking police can detain without limits.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 4 · 6 skills

Civil Law

Civil law and procedure

The official wording · 6 outcomes
4.1
Define civil law and how it differentiates from criminal law, particularly in terms of purpose, structure, procedure, and resolution.
4.2
Assess the various elements involved in civil procedures, including parties involved in civil actions, stages in a civil action, class action lawsuits, and civil courts.
4.3
Describe various types of compensation, such as damages and injunctions, as well as alternative dispute resolution methods, such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
4.4
Examine Indigenous practices and case law regarding rights on reserves, land titles, and treaty lands, as well as property rights on reserves and civil actions against government, such as residential school compensation and treaty and land rights.
4.5
Analyze elements, examples, and defences of intentional and non-intentional torts, such as negligence, invasion of privacy, and defamation of character.
4.6
Explain the main elements of contracts, including the factors that can invalidate them, and the different types of contracts available, such as cell phone contracts, parking agreements, purchases, rent, warranties, and mortgages.

Key ideas

  1. Civil law resolves disputes between private parties and seeks remedies, not punishment.

  2. It differs from criminal law in who sues, the standard of proof, and the outcome.

  3. A civil action involves a plaintiff and defendant moving through defined stages.

  4. Class actions let many plaintiffs sue together in civil courts.

  5. Civil remedies include damages (money) and injunctions (court orders).

Watch out for

  • Thinking civil law punishes offenders.
  • Thinking the same standard of proof applies as in criminal law.
  • Thinking civil cases have a Crown prosecutor.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 5 · 7 skills

Family Law

Family, marriage, and its ending

Children, Indigenous families, and current issues

The official wording · 7 outcomes
5.1
Explore the definition of a family in legal terms in Canada, and describe what constitutes family law, including marriage, child protection, and family assets.
5.2
Describe and understand the legal requirements of marriage and common law relationships, including same-sex partnerships, and limitations, such as age, polygamy, and consent.
5.3
Examine the legal requirements and procedures of separation and divorce, including mediation, spousal support, and division of property, as well as protection for individuals in abusive relationships.
5.4
Describe the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians and how family law protects the rights of children, including topics such as safety, custody and support, adoption, and the role of Child and Family Services.
5.5
Explore issues related to custody of children, such as types of custody, access for non-custodial parents, and child support.
5.6
Examine past and present policies related to customary Indigenous practices and interventions into Indigenous families by governmental agencies, such as adoption of Indigenous children, the Sixties Scoop, residential schools, and interactions with Child and Family Services.
5.7
Analyze issues related to family law, such as cultural expectations, economic factors, and the effects of reproductive technology on families

Key ideas

  1. Family law covers marriage, child protection, and the division of family assets.

  2. Parents and guardians have responsibilities for a child's safety, support, and care.

  3. The legal definition of family has broadened over time.

  4. Child and Family Services and adoption law protect the rights of children.

  5. Marriage requires capacity and consent; same-sex marriage is legal in Canada.

Watch out for

  • Thinking family law covers only divorce.
  • Thinking parents have rights but no responsibilities.
  • Thinking only one family form is legally recognized.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 6 · 7 skills

International Law

The nature and reach of international law

Bodies, enforcement, and violations

The official wording · 7 outcomes
6A.1
Explain the nature and the general principles of international law.
6A.2
Identify issues that are relevant to international law, such as disarmament, international crime, refugees, problems of nationality, the conduct of war, terrorism, and the law of the sea.
6A.3
Explain concepts such as diplomatic immunity and extradition.
6A.4
Describe the role, function, and jurisdiction of international judicial bodies such as the International Court of Justice and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
6A.5
Examine issues in implementing international law into the domestic realm and resolving international conflicts.
6A.6
Analyze violations of international law and explore how the acts and laws of different countries, both past and present, have violated the principles of international law, such as segregation in the United States and the Nuremberg laws in Germany.
6A.7
Evaluate the impact of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on Canadian law.

Key ideas

  1. International law governs relations between states through treaties and custom.

  2. The International Court of Justice settles disputes between states.

  3. It rests on consent and lacks a single global enforcer.

  4. The UNHCR protects and supports refugees worldwide.

  5. International law addresses refugees, terrorism, the conduct of war, and the law of the sea.

Watch out for

  • Thinking a world government enforces international law.
  • Thinking the ICJ tries individuals for crimes.
  • Thinking international law does not really exist.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 7 · 9 skills

Human Rights Law

Human rights frameworks

Rights in conflict and rights denied

The official wording · 9 outcomes
6B.1
Explain the reasons for the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and key concepts associated with the declaration.
6B.2
Identify the fundamental freedoms and legal safeguards entrenched in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and compare them with those contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
6B.3
Explain what means a person can use to exercise his or her rights under the Charter, such as challenging a provincial or federal law, and describe the role of agencies such as the Ombudsman and the Human Rights Commission.
6B.4
Explain how rights and freedoms may be limited and how they are accompanied by specific obligations and responsibilities.
6B.5
Analyze situations in which rights and freedoms may conflict, such as those involving freedom of expression, hate literature, traditions, and defamation.
6B.6
Examine the rights of groups or individuals in Canada that have not been respected, such as Indigenous rights, minority rights, gender politics, the status of women, and linguistic rights.
6B.7
Assess the impact of the Indian Act and other legislation, as well as unfulfilled treaty obligations, on the human rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
6B.8
Assess the contribution of key people and organizations in the promotion of human rights both nationally and internationally.
6B.9
Measure the effects of collective action, such as petitions and special interest groups, on the evolution of law in democracies.

Key ideas

  1. The UDHR arose after the Second World War to affirm universal human dignity.

  2. Rights can collide, such as free expression versus protection from hate speech.

  3. It sets out rights that belong to all people everywhere.

  4. Resolving conflicts means weighing competing rights and interests.

  5. Both the Charter and the UDHR protect fundamental freedoms and safeguards.

Watch out for

  • Thinking the UDHR is legally binding like a treaty.
  • Thinking one right always wins over another.
  • Thinking human rights were always internationally recognized.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 8 · 9 skills

Youth and the Law

Children's rights and youth law

  • Children's rights and YCJA principles

    I can analyze children's rights and the guiding principles of the YCJA.

    6C.1

    Learn itPractice testActivities

  • Effectiveness of children's-rights laws

    I can assess how effective international children's-rights laws are.

    6C.2

    Learn itPractice testActivities

  • Educational inequities on reserves

    I can analyze educational inequities on First Nations reserves and responses to them.

    6C.3

    Learn itPractice testActivities

  • Why youth are treated differently

    I can debate why the law treats youth differently from adults.

    6C.4

    Learn itPractice testActivities

The youth justice system

The official wording · 9 outcomes
6C.1
Analyze the fundamental rights described in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959), as well as the guiding principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (2003).
6C.2
Assess the effectiveness of international laws concerning the respect of children
6C.3
Analyze the impact of educational inequities on First Nations reserves and the changes that are being made to improve access to education.
6C.4
Debate the rationale for treating youth differently from adults in issues such as voting, driving, consent, school attendance, and criminality.
6C.5
Describe the evolution of youth law from the Juvenile Delinquents Act (1908) to the Youth Criminal Justice Act (2003), including amendments to the act adopted in 2012.
6C.6
Assess some of the elements of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (2003), including amendments adopted in 2012, and explain the arguments for and against these items.
6C.7
Analyze certain aspects of criminal law that may apply to minors or concern minors but are not defined in the Youth Criminal Justice Act, such as possession and drug trafficking, child protection, sexual assault, and harassment.
6C.8
Identify resources available for young victims.
6C.9
Compare the treatment provided to adults and minors regarding arrest, detention, trial, and sentencing.

Key ideas

  1. The Declaration of the Rights of the Child sets out fundamental protections for children.

  2. Youth law evolved from the Juvenile Delinquents Act to the YCJA.

  3. The YCJA is guided by principles of rehabilitation and proportionate accountability.

  4. Amendments in 2012 changed how the YCJA treats serious youth offences.

  5. International laws set standards for children's rights, but enforcement varies.

Watch out for

  • Thinking children have no distinct rights.
  • Thinking youth law has never changed.
  • Thinking the YCJA has no guiding principles.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 9 · 8 skills

Labour Law

Foundations of labour law

Workers' rights and workplace issues

The official wording · 8 outcomes
6D.1
Explain why labour law is required to address such issues as safety, hygiene, and basic workers
6D.2
Compare the role of the federal and provincial governments in the development of laws relating to labour and the workplace.
6D.3
Describe the key elements and protection granted to workers by provincial and federal legislation, such as the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, the Canada Labour Code, the Trade Unions Act, the Labour Relations Act, and the Employment Standards Code.
6D.4
Explore issues related to workers
6D.5
Describe the legal recourses available if workers
6D.6
Analyze the effects of the liberalization of trade exchanges, globalization of the economy, and technological change on the future of collective bargaining and workplace regulations.
6D.7
Analyze the rationale and impact of employment equity policies on groups such as Indigenous peoples, women, visible minorities, and people with disabilities.
6D.8
Explore issues related to migrant workers, such as temporary foreign workers, skilled workers entering into Canada, and human trafficking.

Key ideas

  1. Labour law protects workers' safety, hygiene, and basic rights.

  2. Workers can organize into unions and bargain collectively with employers.

  3. Without it, workers would have little protection against unsafe or unfair conditions.

  4. Back-to-work legislation can override a strike, raising rights questions.

  5. Most workplaces fall under provincial labour law; some sectors are federal.

Watch out for

  • Thinking employers would protect workers without any law.
  • Thinking workers cannot legally organize.
  • Thinking labour law only helps unions.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 10 · 6 skills

Environmental Law

Environmental law and stewardship

The official wording · 6 outcomes
6E.1
Identify the need and rationale for laws to protect the environment.
6E.2
Distinguish the separation of powers regarding environmental protection among the federal, provincial, and municipal governments as it relates to such areas as forestry, fisheries, endangered species, waste management, and hazardous materials.
6E.3
Assess the effects that international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2016) have had on protecting the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable development.
6E.4
Evaluate the roles of individuals and non-governmental organizations with regard to environmental protection.
6E.5
Describe the leadership of First Nations, M
6E.6
Analyze specific criminal or civil cases related to environmental laws, such as nuclear incidents, oil spills, or poaching.

Key ideas

  1. Environmental law protects air, water, land, and species from harm.

  2. Without it, shared resources can be degraded by pollution and overuse.

  3. Federal, provincial, and municipal governments share responsibility for the environment.

  4. Areas like fisheries, forestry, and waste fall to different levels of government.

  5. The Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement set international climate commitments.

Watch out for

  • Thinking the environment protects itself without law.
  • Thinking environmental law only burdens business.
  • Thinking one government controls all environmental protection.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Which course?

Manitoba has 3 social studies courses for Grade 12. Here they are side by side.

What a university, college or program asks for is theirs to say: check its admission page, and your school’s course guide.

The official curriculum

This page follows Manitoba’s own curriculum for Law, Grade 12.

Grade 12 Law: A Foundation for ImplementationManitoba Education · edu.gov.mb.ca · Read August 1, 2026

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Grade 9 Mathematics (10F) in the MapleMind app on a tablet: its units, Unit 2 open, and the skills done so far with their starsGrade 9 Mathematics (10F) in the MapleMind app on a phone: its units, Unit 2 open, and the skills done so far with their stars
Pictured: Grade 9 Mathematics (10F), another Manitoba course, partway through Unit 2.

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Course Companion

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Questions about Law, Grade 12

What is Law, Grade 12?

Manitoba’s Grade 12 social studies course: 10 units and 85 skills, from Foundations of Law to Environmental Law.

What units are in Law, Grade 12?

1. Foundations of Law, 2. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 3. Criminal Law, 4. Civil Law, 5. Family Law, 6. International Law, 7. Human Rights Law, 8. Youth and the Law, 9. Labour Law and 10. Environmental Law.

Is there a provincial exam for Law, Grade 12?

No. Manitoba gives no provincial exam for Law, Grade 12.

Can MapleMind help with Law, Grade 12?

Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Law, Grade 12, step by step, with practice and checks, and its tutor answers questions about any of them. It’s free with daily limits, on iPhone, Android and the web.

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