Sources of Laws

Statutes
Statutes are written laws. There are Statutes of Canada (federal laws) and Statutes of Alberta (provincial laws). These laws that the federal and provincial governments make are drafted, debated in an open government process in the parliament or legislature, and are voted upon by democratically elected representatives of the people.

Common Law
These are cases which have been decided by judges over centuries of English and Canadian court decisions. Important legal matters have been considered by the courts and Canadian statutes have been considered in the context of individual circumstances. Then, judges of the Canadian courts have issued written opinions which clarify certain points of law or provide direction in uncertain areas. These provide guidance to the public in how to apply the written statute law to their individual circumstances.