NCA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NCA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In Quebec tort law, which doctrine imposes liability on an employer for harm caused by an employee in the performance of their duties? → Respondeat superior, codified in CCQ art. 1463
2. Under the Federal Courts Act, which court has jurisdiction to review decisions of federal boards, commissions, and tribunals? → The Federal Court, with appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal
3. How may a joint tenant unilaterally sever a joint tenancy under Canadian common law? → By transferring their interest to a third party or, in some provinces, to themselves
4. In Canadian constitutional law, what does the 'pith and substance' doctrine determine? → The true subject matter of legislation to assign it to the proper head of power
5. In the Canadian legal citation system (McGill Guide), which format correctly cites a Supreme Court of Canada decision? → R v Smith, 2023 SCC 15
6. What is a 'restrictive covenant' in Canadian property law? → A promise restricting land use that binds successors in title when properly constituted
7. Which document is the supreme law of Canada that makes any inconsistent law of no force or effect? → The Constitution Act, 1982
8. Under the equitable rules derived from Tulk v Moxhay, which of the following is NOT a requirement for a restrictive covenant to run with the burdened land? → The covenant must be registered in the local land titles office
9. In Canada, which body regulates the legal profession in each province and is responsible for admitting lawyers to the bar and disciplining them? → The provincial law society (e.g., Law Society of Ontario, Barreau du Québec)
10. The CCQ recognizes several 'vices of consent.' Which of the following is recognized as a vice of consent that may allow a party to annul a contract? → Error, fear (violence), and lesion (in certain cases)
11. Which of the following correctly describes a 'fee tail' estate? → An estate that descends only to the lineal heirs of the original grantee
12. Under the Constitution Act, 1867, which section distributes legislative powers between Parliament and the provincial legislatures? → Sections 91 and 92
13. In Canadian criminal procedure, which document sets out the charges against an accused in a criminal trial proceeding on indictment? → The indictment
14. Which prerogative writ compels an inferior tribunal to produce the record of its proceedings for review by a superior court? → Certiorari
15. Which section of the Charter protects language rights by guaranteeing official minority language education rights? → Section 23
16. Which of the following is an example of a contract that is void for illegality under Canadian common law? → A contract to commit a crime or to obstruct the administration of justice
17. In Quebec civil law, the contract of sale is governed by which articles of the CCQ, and what is the vendor's primary obligation? → Articles 1708–1784; the vendor must deliver the property and warrant ownership
18. In Canadian common law provinces, what interest does the mortgagor retain after conveying legal title to the mortgagee as security? → The equity of redemption — an equitable right to reclaim the property upon repayment
19. When a Quebec court applies the 'good faith' (bonne foi) principle in contractual matters, which CCQ provision is the primary source? → Both A and B together form the basis of the good faith obligation
20. Which database is the primary official source for Supreme Court of Canada decisions and provides free public access? → CanLII (Canadian Legal Information Institute)
21. What are the four unities required to create a valid joint tenancy at common law? → Possession, interest, title, and time
22. Judicial review of administrative decisions is typically sought in which court in most Canadian provinces? → The Divisional Court or the Court of Queen's Bench (or equivalent superior court)
23. In Canadian contract law, which element must be present to distinguish a binding contract from a mere gift promise? → Consideration
24. Which Latin maxim reflects the principle that a person cannot transfer greater title in property than they themselves possess? → Nemo dat quod non habet
25. What remedy is available at common law when a person is unlawfully detained by a government authority, including under an administrative order? → Habeas corpus
26. What is the highest and most complete form of ownership interest in land under Canadian common law? → Fee simple absolute
27. Which Supreme Court of Canada decision replaced the Dunsmuir framework and established the current standard of review analysis for administrative decisions? → Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) v. Vavilov [2019]
28. Under Canadian trust law, the three certainties required to create a valid express trust are: → Certainty of intention, certainty of subject matter, and certainty of objects
29. Which of the following is NOT a ground for judicial review of administrative action? → Failure to apply the best policy option
30. The Civil Code of Québec (CCQ) came into force in which year, replacing the Civil Code of Lower Canada? → 1994