All residents of Saskatchewan and Canada are responsible for knowing and obeying the laws of the province and country. There are two types of law – criminal law and civil law. Under these types of law, anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. During peacetime, Canada practises habeas corpus, which prevents people from being unlawfully put in prison and held for an indefinite period of time. Learn more about Canadian laws.

Criminal Laws

Criminal laws cover behaviours such as murder, fraud, assault, stealing and selling drugs. People suspected of a crime are arrested by the police and brought before a criminal court. If they are found guilty after a trial, the court will decide the punishment, such as a jail term or a fine. In Canada, women and men are separated from each other in prison, and children are not jailed.

In criminal cases, the court fees are paid for by the government, including charges for a language interpreter. If you cannot afford the help of a lawyer (a person trained in legal matters to speak in your defence), Legal Aid Saskatchewan will provide one.

A criminal record can have a serious impact on your life. It can affect your ability to travel to another country, as well as your eligibility for certain jobs. A criminal record can also affect your status as a resident of Canada. For more information on arrests, court appearances and making a plea, please read about going to Criminal Court.

Civil Laws

Civil laws settle legal problems between people, organizations and businesses, such as disagreements over rent between landlords and tenants. Having a lawyer speak on your behalf is optional, as it can be expensive. In civil court cases, court costs are paid for by the people involved in the case – not the government.