LSO BARRISTER Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Under the Divorce Act (Canada), what is the primary consideration in determining custody and access arrangements? → The best interests of the child
2. In Ontario, which court has jurisdiction to try indictable offences where the maximum penalty exceeds 14 years imprisonment? → Superior Court of Justice
3. Under the Ontario Land Transfer Tax Act, who is responsible for paying land transfer tax? → The purchaser
4. In Ontario, which court has jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Superior Court of Justice in civil matters? → Court of Appeal for Ontario
5. Which document formally commences a civil action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice? → Statement of Claim
6. What is the purpose of a 'mandatory mediation' requirement in Ontario civil litigation under Rule 24.1? → To provide a non-binding process to facilitate early resolution before trial
7. Under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992, certification of a class action requires that the class action be the: → Preferable procedure for resolution of common issues
8. Under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA), what is the duty of directors to act in the best interests of the corporation? → To act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation
9. Under Canadian contract law, what are the essential elements for a valid and enforceable contract? → Offer, acceptance, consideration, and intention to create legal relations
10. Which Ontario court primarily handles family law matters including uncontested divorces and child protection? → Ontario Court of Justice
11. What is the standard of proof required for a criminal conviction in Canada? → Proof beyond a reasonable doubt
12. Under section 9 of the Charter, what right does an accused person have upon arrest? → Right not to be arbitrarily detained
13. Under the Construction Act (Ontario), within what period must a lien be preserved after the last day the lien arose? → 45 days
14. Under Ontario law, what is the remedy of 'specific performance' in contract law? → A court order compelling a party to perform their contractual obligations as agreed
15. What is a 'Gladue' consideration in Ontario sentencing? → Special factors courts must consider when sentencing Aboriginal offenders
16. Under the Ontario Sale of Goods Act, what implied condition is included in every sale of goods by description? → The goods will correspond with the description
17. What is the purpose of a 'Mareva injunction' in Ontario civil litigation? → To freeze a defendant's assets pending judgment
18. Under Ontario law, what is the principle of 'mitigation' of damages? → An innocent party must take reasonable steps to minimize their losses after a breach
19. In Ontario, what does the term 'holdback' mean in the context of construction liens? → A statutory 10% of amounts payable to contractors held back by the owner as a lien fund
20. Under the Ontario Family Law Rules, what is a 'Form 13.1 Financial Statement' used for? → Disclosing income, expenses, assets, and debts in property and support cases
21. Under Rule 20 of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure, summary judgment may be granted when: → There is no genuine issue requiring a trial
22. In Ontario, an Anton Piller order is used to: → Compel a party to permit a search of their premises for evidence
23. Under the Ontario Child Support Guidelines, what primarily determines the amount of child support? → The payor's income and number of children
24. What does 'costs follow the event' mean in Ontario civil litigation? → The losing party pays the winning party's costs
25. Under the LSO's Continuing Competence requirements, how many hours of continuing professional development (CPD) must Ontario lawyers complete annually? → 12 hours
26. Under the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG), which of the following is a factor in determining spousal support quantum? → The length of marriage and economic disadvantage caused by the relationship
27. Under section 718 of the Criminal Code, which of the following is NOT a stated purpose of sentencing? → Retribution against the victim
28. Under the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA), what is the minimum number of directors required for a private company? → One
29. Under the Divorce Act, what are the three grounds for divorce in Canada? → Separation for one year, adultery, and physical cruelty
30. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, what is the maximum sentence for which an accused is entitled to a preliminary inquiry? → 14 years