Quebec law is unique in Canada because Quebec is the only province to have a civilian system of law. Most of the matters of law that are in the exclusive jurisdiction of the province, such as property, contracts and other forms of civil liability, are codified in its civil code, the Civil Code of Quebec. Lawyers in Quebec must have a civil law degree before they can practise.

History

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The Quebec legal system came into effect with the creation of New France in 1663. Under the rule of Louis XIV, Quebec adopted the Custom of Paris. The administration of justice was based on the inquisitorial method.

By 1866 Quebec adopted the Civil Code of Lower Canada, which consisted of four books:

1. Persons;
2. Property and its Different Modifications;
3. Acquisition and Exercise of Rights of Property;
4. Commercial Law.

Civil Code

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The modern Quebec Civil Code of Quebec came into force in 1994. It consisted of ten books:

1. Persons
2. The Family
3. Successions
4. Property
5. Obligations
6. Hypothecs
7. Evidence
8. Prescription
9. Publication of Rights
10. Private International Law

Quebec law