The federal Solicitor General is also responsible for offenders who receive prison sentences of two years or more. The federal National Parole Board has jurisdiction to grant parole for all offenders sentenced to a federal penitentiary and offenders held in Alberta provincial jails. Judges There are three branches of government - the legislative branch, the executive branch and the judiciary. The judiciary is an independent branch of government which presides over the courts. Judges interpret legislation, develop the common law, determine the validity of laws, determine the facts and render decisions in a fair and impartial manner, thereby ensuring the rule of law - the cornerstone of a free and democratic society.
Bylaws are the responsibility of local government.
Lawyers A lawyer may represent a person in a civil matter or act as defence counsel or prosecutor in a criminal matter. Persons who are arrested or detained have a constitutional right to speak to a lawyer. Lawyers are regulated by the Law Society of Alberta. Lawyers have a duty to ensure that all legal issues bearing on a case are fully explored and properly adjudicated even for those persons who may appear guilty. The Legal Aid Society of Alberta provides lawyers to persons who cannot afford to pay for them from their own resources.