ObjectivesThis program will provide the comprehensive skills necessary to prepare graduates for entry-level opportunities within law departments of municipalities, insurance companies, and land and property development organizations. Individuals may enhance their skills in the municipal law field. Through knowledge and practice, students will be able to participate in Ontario Municipal Board advocacy, Small Claims Court advocacy, and Tenant Protection Act actions.
Practical experienceThere is a work placement component associated with this program.
Academic titleMunicipal Law Clerk Ontario College Certificate
Course descriptionLAW1230 Introduction To Law
Description: Designed to provide the student with an overview of the Canadian and Ontario court systems, this course provides an introduction to the roles and responsibilities of a municipal law clerk. Topics include an introduction to basic fields and sources of law, methods of legal analysis and research, court structure, legal profession, and legal ethics.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
LAW1235 Landlord And Tenant
Description: Focusing on the Tenant Protection Act, this course will help students gain understanding of the obligations of residential landlords and tenants. Students will also acquire an understanding of the legal issues and concepts under the Tenant Protection Act.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites: LAW1230
LAW1250 Municipal Law
Description: Dealing with the nature, structure and functions of various units of the local level of government, the focus of this course is primarily on Ontario municipal corporations. Topics range from the 'Municipal Tax Sales Act' and the 'Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act' to a discussion of contemporary urban problems.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LAW1230
LAW1260 Legal Research And Report Writing
Description: Preparing cases and related documentation, the student will learn how to conduct legal research using a law library and computer databases in this course. Also, the student will learn how to prepare research papers, update cases and legislation and prepare legal memoranda using uniform legal citation.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LAW1230
LAW1270 Ontario Municipal Board Advocacy
Description: This course will provide practical exposure to the process and procedure followed at an Ontario Municipal Board hearing. Topics covered include: commencing an appeal, service of legal documents, motions to dismiss, pre-hearing conferences, mediation, hearing procedures and techniques.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LAW1280
LAW1280 Planning Law
Description: Designed to teach an overview of Canadian planning law and an understanding of Ontario planning law, this course reviews significant portions of the Ontario 'Planning Act'.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LAW1250
LAW1290 Political Science (Local Government)
Description: This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of Canadian local government. The student will study the history, structure, and functioning of local government across the country. Particular emphasis will be placed on past and present governmental structures in Ontario and ongoing restructuring initiatives.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites: LAW1230
LAW1310 Prosecutions
Description: Providing an overview of the field of prosecutions and familiarity with the Provincial Offences Act, this course teaches the types of offences typically prosecuted by a municipality as well as evidence issues.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LAW1250, LAW1260
LAW1320 Small Claims Court Advocacy
Description: Focusing on Small Claims Court actions, this course teaches students to use current precedents and follow proper procedures to prepare and present documentation in Small Claims Court. Topics range from statements of claim and statements of defence, to settlements, pre-trial conferences, and costs.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LAW1230
LAW1350 Mediation And Dispute Resolution
Description: This course will address the design and implementation of conflict resolution skills and mechanisms which seek solutions by negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and other arrangements which have proven effective in practice.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LAW1230
LAW1360 Municipal Law Clerk Placement
Description: Giving the student the opportunity to use skills developed in a hands-on setting, this course allows students to implement skills of the municipal law clerk in areas of landlord/tenant, report writing, and OMB. Students must be accepted in the Municipal Law Clerk program and attend an orientation for this course.
Hours: 42
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LAW1235, LAW1270, LAW1290, LAW1310, LAW1320, LAW1350
Electives: Program Option
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 30 Hours
Elective Courses:
LAW1330 Litigation Procedures
Description: Practical in orientation, this course teaches how to use the Rules of Civil Procedure and prepare court documents. A review of the procedural rules and proceedings leading to trial will be undertaken. This will include applications and default motions and the rules of civil procedure and case management.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LAW1230
LAW1340 Real Estate Law
Description: Giving a broad overview of real estate law, this course will help the student gain familiarity with the teranet computer search system and insight into the previous system of recording instruments against title. Topics covered range from estate classification to issues relating to contaminated sites.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LAW1230