Jurisprudence refers to the body of law, legal principles, and court decisions that guide how laws are interpreted and applied. In Canada, jurisprudence includes constitutional law, statutes passed by legislatures, regulations, and case law from court decisions. When courts decide cases, their reasoning becomes part of jurisprudence, influencing future decisions through legal precedent. Municipal law jurisprudence addresses questions about municipal powers, land use planning, bylaw enforcement, and local governance. Understanding relevant jurisprudence helps municipalities make decisions that will withstand legal challenges and ensures citizens know their rights when dealing with local government.