NCA Legal Research and Writing in Canadian Context

Question 1

In the Canadian legal citation system (McGill Guide), which format correctly cites a Supreme Court of Canada decision?

Accepted Answer

R v Smith, 2023 SCC 15

Answer

R v. Smith (2023) SCC 15

Answer

R v. Smith [2023] 1 SCR 100

Answer

Smith v. R, SCC 2023, para 15

Question 2

Which database is the primary official source for Supreme Court of Canada decisions and provides free public access?

Accepted Answer

CanLII (Canadian Legal Information Institute)

Answer

Westlaw Canada (Thomson Reuters)

Answer

LexisNexis Quicklaw

Answer

Heinonline

Question 3

In Canadian legal memoranda, the IRAC method stands for:

Accepted Answer

Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion

Answer

Introduction, Reasoning, Analysis, Conclusion

Answer

Issue, Research, Arguments, Cases

Answer

Introduction, Rule, Application, Commentary

Question 4

When researching Canadian statutory law, which source provides consolidated federal statutes and regulations updated to reflect current amendments?

Accepted Answer

The Justice Laws Website (laws.justice.gc.ca)

Answer

The Canada Gazette, Part I

Answer

Hansard

Answer

The Law Commission of Canada reports

Question 5

In legal writing, a 'factum' in Canadian courts refers to:

Accepted Answer

A written legal argument submitted to an appellate court that sets out the facts, issues, law, and submissions of a party

Answer

A statement of admitted facts in a trial proceeding

Answer

A formal statement of claim in a civil proceeding

Answer

Minutes of settlement agreed to by the parties

Question 6

Under the doctrine of stare decisis in Canada, which court's decisions are binding on which courts?

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court of Canada binds all courts; provincial Courts of Appeal bind all courts within the province; trial courts are bound by all superior court decisions in their hierarchy

Answer

Only Supreme Court of Canada decisions are binding on all courts; Court of Appeal decisions are merely persuasive

Answer

All courts are bound by all higher courts in all provinces

Answer

Courts of Appeal decisions from one province are binding on courts in other provinces