NCA syllabus
The Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) prescribes 5 to 10 subjects per candidate based on credential review. The list below tracks the official syllabus structure as published.
Required subjects
Canadian legal system, sources of law, court hierarchy, the Charter, federalism, statutory interpretation, Indigenous legal orders. Required for every NCA candidate.
Charter doctrine, division of powers (s.91/92), unwritten constitutional principles, amending procedure, Aboriginal rights under s.35.
Standard of review post-Vavilov, procedural fairness (Baker), Charter values in administrative decisions (Doré), judicial review.
Criminal Code substantive offences and procedure, Charter rights at investigation and trial, sentencing principles, evidentiary rules.
Federation Model Code, conflicts, candour, confidentiality, lawyer regulation, Doré balancing of professional discipline against Charter values.
Add-on subjects (when prescribed)
Required only when not previously studied at common-law standard. Formation, interpretation, performance (Bhasin/Callow/Wastech), breach, remedy, exclusion clauses.
Required only when not previously studied at common-law standard. Negligence framework (Anns/Cooper), causation (Snell/Resurfice/Clements), damages (1978 trilogy + cap).
Required only when not previously studied at common-law standard. Estates and interests in land, possession and title, equitable interests, Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot'in).
Conflict of laws (jurisdiction simpliciter, real and substantial connection, choice of law), reception of public international law into Canadian law (Suresh, Hape).