Law stamps were typically, but not exclusively, used for the payment of fees and/or taxes imposed on documents associated with civil judicial proceedings. The funds from these stamps were often designated for the support of the court system.

"Canadian Law Stamps", an online exhibit by Edward Zaluski, displays the Law stamps of Canada from 1765 to 1970. It also displays the use of these stamps.

There were several exceptions to the usual purpose of Law stamps. One such exception occurred in Québec where for a period of time Law stamps were used to collect a tax on documents recorded at certain registry offices, and were affixed in addition to the usual Registration stamps. Another exception occurred in Ontario where Law stamps were used to pay the fee for searches in land titles offices. In other provinces, such as Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia, separate search-fee stamps or tickets were used.

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