[erikj54]

>If so is this a result of a differently structured legal system, or just a "cultural" difference?

From an uneducated opinion on the piece this seems to be the difference between Common Law vs Statutory Law. In Common Law the precedence of cases is used, where opinions and subjectivity are perhaps more inclined to change a decision, in contrast; Statutory Law has more to do with the enforcement of prescriptive laws written down by the legislature. While both Canada and the U.S are based on common law, we seem to lean further to the common side then our neighbours to the south.

[dublinben]

Common law and statutory law are not two different systems. You're thinking of common law and civil law, which are significantly different.