Canadian Hospitality Law Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

The Supreme Court of Canada hears a variety of cases, including criminal and civil matters, as well as references on constitutional issues. Civil appeals from federal trial courts, however, do not typically go directly to the Supreme Court, as they must first pass through the appropriate appellate court system. Accordingly, the correct answer reflects that civil appeals from federal trial courts are not a direct type of appeal the Supreme Court hears.

In contrast, the other options represent types of appeals that the Supreme Court does handle. Criminal appeals from provincial courts of appeal and appeals from the Federal Court of Canada are both within the Court's jurisdiction. Additionally, the Supreme Court has the authority to hear references on constitutional matters, which can be significant for interpreting laws and providing guidance to government bodies on legal issues. The structure of the Canadian judicial system requires that certain appeals go through a cascading court system, which is why civil appeals from federal trial courts are not heard directly by the Supreme Court.