Are the laws in Canada basicly the same as the United states?

[GangstaLady]

Are the laws in Canada basicly the same as the United states?

[thinkingtime367]

Stricter gun laws.

No capital punishment.

[AvisdeJJJJsAdvice060]

On a very basic level, Canada and the U.S. have similar criminal laws. The only big exception being guns. In Canada, the only valid reason for owning a gun is for hunting. You're not allowed to have a gun for protection, and you're not allowed any automatic weapons.

As for civil law, there are a lot of small but important differences. For example, the national drinking age set by the federal government is 18-19. In the States. drinking laws vary by state, but basically you have to be 21.
Provinces have a lot of their own specific laws. Notably Quebec, that has laws saying everything has to be in French. It's essentially illegal for a business to print an english sign in Quebec, and most people are forced to attend school in french.

[Matt412754]

Well murder, drugs, car theft and things like that are illegal everywhere! A few by-laws and drinking ages might be different but for the most part it's pretty much the same. Those who are honest citizens have nothing to worry about in Canada or the United States!

[DouglasL331]

They are very similar. a few differences.
1. It is not legal to kill someone unless they are a threat to your life. So no lethal force even if they are stealing you TV set.
2. You can only have a hand gun with a permit and permits are very hard to get.
3. If you sue someone and lose, you are automatically on the hook for their legal costs. This is a good law that reduces lawsuits.
4. You can murder 1000 children and the law still can not put you to death ( yes I know that one is absurd).

[EdmontonE]

There are a lot of similarities but it's pretty dumb to think they are both the same. Canada is overall more liberal because it doesn't have the South to deal with. And of course, gun/hunting laws are stricter.