Prince Edward Island · Grade 11
Introductory Law 521A
- LAW521A
Prince Edward Island’s Grade 11 social studies course, from Foundations of Law to Inquiry-Based Learning in Other Areas of Law.
- Units
- 4
- Lessons
- 12
- Skills
- 46
- Provincial exam
- None
- Official curriculum
- princeedwardisland.ca
Unit by unit
Every skill in the course, numbered by unit.
Unit 1 · 14 skills
Foundations of Law
The Fundamentals of Law
The need for and purpose of law
I can explain the need for and purpose of law.
Skill 1.1
Historical roots and influences on Canadian law
I can describe the historical roots and influences on Canadian law.
Skill 1.2
Sources that create the basis of Canadian law
I can identify and describe the sources of Canadian law.
Skill 1.3
Primary categories of Canadian law
I can differentiate among the primary categories of Canadian law.
Skill 1.4
Factors that influence change in law
I can analyse factors that influence change in law.
Skill 1.5
How law reform happens: pressure groups and reform bodies
I can explain how pressure groups and reform bodies bring about changes in law.
Skill 1.6
The Process of Lawmaking
Division of powers among governments
I can explain the division of powers among federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
Skill 1.7
Issues related to Aboriginal self-government
I can demonstrate an understanding of issues related to Aboriginal self-government within Canada.
Skill 1.8
The lawmaking process at various levels of government
I can explain the lawmaking process at various levels of government in Canada.
Skill 1.9
Structure and powers of federal and provincial courts
I can describe the structure and powers of the federal and provincial courts.
Skill 1.10
The Rights and Freedoms of Canadians
Impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
I can assess the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms on Canadians.
Skill 1.11
Impact of legislation concerning Aboriginal peoples
I can analyse the impact of past and present legislation concerning Aboriginal peoples.
Skill 1.12
The Supreme Court's role in Charter decisions
I can explain the role of the Supreme Court in Charter decisions.
Skill 1.13
Comparing the Canadian and PEI Human Rights Acts
I can compare the Canadian Human Rights Act and the PEI Human Rights Act.
Skill 1.14
The official wording · 14 outcomes
- 1.1
- explain the need for and purpose of law
- 1.2
- describe the historical roots and influences on Canadian law
- 1.3
- identify and describe the sources that create the basis of Canadian law
- 1.4
- differentiate among primary categories of Canadian law
- 1.5
- analyse factors that influence change in law
- 1.6
- analyse factors that influence change in law
- 1.7
- explain the division of powers among federal, provincial, and municipal governments
- 1.8
- demonstrate an understanding of issues related to Aboriginal self-government within Canada
- 1.9
- explain the lawmaking process at various levels of government in Canada
- 1.10
- describe the structure and powers of the federal and provincial courts
- 1.11
- assess the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms on Canadians
- 1.12
- analyse the impact of past and present legislation concerning Aboriginal peoples
- 1.13
- explain the role of the Supreme Court in decisions related to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- 1.14
- compare the Canadian Human Rights Act and the PEI Human Rights Act
Key ideas
Law is a set of enforceable rules that govern behaviour in a society.
The Constitution divides lawmaking authority among levels of government.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is part of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Law keeps order, resolves disputes, protects people and property, and sets shared standards.
Sections 91 and 92 of the Constitution Act, 1867 assign federal and provincial powers.
Watch out for
- Thinking law only exists to punish people.
- Thinking the federal government can legislate on anything.
- Thinking Charter rights are absolute and can never be limited.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 2 · 22 skills
Criminal Law
The Nature of Crime
Society's need to criminalize certain behaviours
I can explain society's need to criminalize certain behaviours.
Skill 2.1
Crime, criminal law, and the Criminal Code
I can define crime, criminal law, and the Criminal Code of Canada.
Skill 2.2
Elements of a criminal offence
I can explain the elements of a criminal offence.
Skill 2.3
Parties to an offence
I can identify the parties to an offence.
Skill 2.4
Indictable, summary, and hybrid offences
I can distinguish among indictable, summary, and hybrid offences.
Skill 2.5
Analysing cases under the Criminal Code
I can analyse cases according to the Criminal Code of Canada.
Skill 2.6
Criminal Investigation
Legal aspects of police investigation
I can describe the legal aspects of police investigation.
Skill 2.7
Rights of citizens and responsibilities of police on arrest
I can compare the rights of citizens and the responsibilities of police upon arrest or detention.
Skill 2.8
Release and pre-trial procedures
I can identify release and pre-trial procedures.
Skill 2.9
The Criminal Trial
Roles of the court and its officers
I can explain the roles of the court and its officers.
Skill 2.10
Criminal trial procedures
I can describe criminal trial procedures.
Skill 2.11
Types of evidence and rules of evidence
I can explain the types of evidence and rules of evidence in a criminal trial.
Skill 2.12
The jury system: selection and duties
I can analyse elements of the jury system, including selection and duties.
Skill 2.13
Standard defences to criminal charges
I can describe standard defences to criminal charges.
Skill 2.14
Sentencing and Corrections
Objectives of sentencing
I can explain the objectives of sentencing.
Skill 2.15
Traditional sentencing and alternative justice
I can explain traditional types of sentencing and alternative justice.
Skill 2.16
Release procedures after sentencing
I can explain release procedures after sentencing.
Skill 2.17
Canada's correctional system
I can explain Canada's correctional system.
Skill 2.18
Youth Justice
Changing attitudes toward young offenders
I can explain changing attitudes over time toward the treatment of young offenders.
Skill 2.19
Youth justice legislation over time
I can compare the Juvenile Delinquents Act, the Young Offenders Act, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Skill 2.20
Rights and protections for young offenders
I can identify special rights and protections currently provided to young offenders.
Skill 2.21
Treating young offenders differently from adults
I can assess the validity of treating young offenders differently from adults.
Skill 2.22
The official wording · 22 outcomes
- 2.1
- explain society need to criminalize certain behaviours
- 2.2
- define crime, criminal law, and the Criminal Code of Canada
- 2.3
- explain the elements of a criminal offence and of selected specific offences
- 2.4
- identify parties to an offence
- 2.5
- distinguish among indictable, summary, and hybrid conviction offences
- 2.6
- analyse cases according to the Criminal Code of Canada
- 2.7
- describe the legal aspects of police investigation
- 2.8
- compare the rights of citizens and the responsibilities of police upon arrest or detention
- 2.9
- identify release and pre-trial procedures
- 2.10
- explain the role(s) of the court and its various officers
- 2.11
- describe trial procedures
- 2.12
- demonstrate an understanding of the types of evidence and rules of evidence in a criminal trial
- 2.13
- analyse elements of the jury system, including jury selection and duties
- 2.14
- describe standard defences to criminal charges
- 2.15
- explain the objectives of sentencing
- 2.16
- demonstrate an understanding of traditional types of sentencing as well as alternative justice
- 2.17
- demonstrate an understanding of release procedures
- 2.18
- demonstrate an understanding of Canada correctional system
- 2.19
- explain changing attitudes over time toward the treatment of young offenders
- 2.20
- compare the provisions of the Juvenile Delinquents Act, the Young Offenders Act, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act
- 2.21
- identify special rights and protections currently provided to young offenders upon arrest and detention, during trial
- 2.22
- assess the validity of treating young offenders differently from adults
Key ideas
A crime is an act society has decided to prohibit and punish through criminal law.
Police investigate crimes within legal limits set by law and the Charter.
A criminal trial involves several officers with distinct roles.
Sentencing decides the consequence after a finding of guilt.
How society treats young offenders has changed across generations.
Watch out for
- Thinking every harmful or immoral act is automatically a crime.
- Thinking police can search anywhere at any time.
- Thinking the judge decides guilt in every trial.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 3 · 9 skills
Civil Law
Civil and Criminal Matters
Civil versus criminal matters
I can distinguish between civil and criminal matters and types of civil law.
Skill 3.1
Civil versus criminal court procedures
I can contrast civil court procedures with criminal court procedures.
Skill 3.2
Tort Law
Torts and the purposes of tort law
I can explain what a tort is and the purposes of tort law.
Skill 3.3
Intentional versus unintentional torts
I can distinguish between intentional and unintentional torts.
Skill 3.4
Three categories of torts
I can explain the three categories of torts.
Skill 3.5
Types of special liability
I can explain various types of special liability.
Skill 3.6
Remedies and Defences
Remedies for victims of civil wrongdoing
I can describe remedies available for victims of civil wrongdoing.
Skill 3.7
Defences to torts
I can identify specific defences to various torts.
Skill 3.8
Applying tort law to cases
I can apply my understanding of tort law to specific cases.
Skill 3.9
The official wording · 9 outcomes
- 3.1
- distinguish between civil and criminal matters and different types of civil law
- 3.2
- contrast civil court procedures with criminal court procedures
- 3.3
- demonstrate an understanding of torts and purposes of tort law
- 3.4
- distinguish between intentional and unintentional torts
- 3.5
- demonstrate an understanding of the three categories of torts negligence, intentional, and strict liability
- 3.6
- explain various types of special liability
- 3.7
- describe remedies available for victims of civil wrongdoing
- 3.8
- identify specific defences to various torts
- 3.9
- apply their understanding of tort law to specific cases
Key ideas
Criminal law is an offence against society, prosecuted by the state.
A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another person.
A remedy is what a court orders to address a proven civil wrong.
Civil law resolves disputes between individuals or organizations.
Tort law lets an injured party seek compensation from the person responsible.
Watch out for
- Thinking a civil case must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Confusing a tort (civil wrong) with a crime.
- Thinking a civil remedy is a criminal punishment.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 4 · 1 skill
Inquiry-Based Learning in Other Areas of Law
Inquiry into Another Field of Law
Inquiry into another area of law
I can conduct research into a selected area of investigation within a chosen field of law.
Skill 4.1
The official wording · 1 outcomes
- 4.1
- conduct research into a selected area of investigation within one of the following law fields
Key ideas
Beyond foundations, criminal, and civil law, many other fields of law exist to investigate.
Fields include family law, employment law, environmental law, and human rights law, among others.
An inquiry chooses a focused question and gathers and evaluates evidence to answer it.
Good legal inquiry uses reliable sources and reaches a reasoned, supported conclusion.
Watch out for
- Picking a topic so broad it cannot be researched.
- Stating an opinion without supporting legal evidence.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Plan the term
Pick your term and the days you study. Each unit gets its share of the weeks and comes back a week later for a review. The last two weeks go over the whole course.
Which course?
Prince Edward Island has 2 social studies courses for Grade 11. Here they are side by side.
- 20th-Century World History 521AHIS521A5 units · 14 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversThe Road to War · Between the Wars · World War II · A Divided World · A New World Order
- Introductory Law 521AThis courseLAW521A4 units · 46 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversFoundations of Law · Criminal Law · Civil Law · Inquiry-Based Learning in Other Areas of Law
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 Prince Edward Island’s own curriculum for Introductory Law 521A.
Textbooks
The textbooks PEI Department of Education and Early Years lists for Introductory Law 521A:
- Law in Action – Understanding Canadian Law, 2nd Ed.,2009
From Senior High Program of Studies and Authorized Materials, 2026-2027, read October 27, 2026. princeedwardisland.ca
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Course Companion
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- Pages
- 31
- Fillable fields
- 1,657
- Price
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Questions about Introductory Law 521A
What is Introductory Law 521A?
Prince Edward Island’s Grade 11 social studies course: 4 units and 46 skills, from Foundations of Law to Inquiry-Based Learning in Other Areas of Law.
What units are in Introductory Law 521A?
1. Foundations of Law, 2. Criminal Law, 3. Civil Law and 4. Inquiry-Based Learning in Other Areas of Law.
Is there a provincial exam for Introductory Law 521A?
No. Prince Edward Island gives no provincial exam for Introductory Law 521A.
What textbook does Introductory Law 521A use?
The textbooks PEI Department of Education and Early Years lists for Introductory Law 521A: Law in Action – Understanding Canadian Law, 2nd Ed.,2009, Pearson Education Canada.
What comes after Introductory Law 521A?
Canadian History 621A and Prince Edward Island History 621B.
Can MapleMind help with Introductory Law 521A?
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