OJEN Classroom Resources

Jury Duty in Ontario and Mock Jury Selection

The resource introduces students to the jury selection process in Ontario, including how the jury roll is formed, how jurors are summoned, and how they are selected in criminal and civil trials.  It examines the issue of the underrepresentation of First Nations and other minorities on juries as a critical human rights issue affecting the […]

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Date:

2019

Top Five 2018

Each year at OJEN’s Toronto Summer Law Institute, a judge from the Court of Appeal for Ontario identifies five cases that are of significance in the educational setting. This summary, based on these comments and observations, is appropriate for discussion and debate in the classroom setting. These summaries of important legal cases were presented by […]

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Date:

2019

In Focus: The Death of Sammy Yatim and the Trial of James Forcillo

This resource examines the police killing of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim on a Toronto streetcar, and the murder trial of Constable James Forcillo, who fired the shots that killed him. In particular, students will gain insight into the unusual outcome of Constable Forcillo’s trial, in which a jury found him guilty of attempting to murder Mr. […]

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Date:

2016

A Foot in the Door

A Classroom Resource on Real Estate and Housing Law in Ontario This 6-module resource, produced by the Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company (LAWPRO) and the Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN), provides an introduction to real estate and housing law in Ontario, including the various considerations and processes involved in purchasing and renting a home. The aim […]

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Date:

2016

Legal Reasoning Tool: How to Write a Case Brief

OJEN Legal Reasoning Tools are designed to provide high school students with the skills to investigate legal issues, identify perspectives and think critically about legal developments within the classroom and beyond. These tools assist students in applying the legal inquiry process by guiding them through the stages of formulating questions, gathering and organizing information, interpreting […]

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Date:

2016

Legal Reasoning Tool: How to Prepare a Factum

OJEN Legal Reasoning Tools are designed to provide high school students with the skills to investigate legal issues, identify perspectives and think critically about legal developments within the classroom and beyond. These tools assist students in applying the legal inquiry process by guiding them through the stages of formulating questions, gathering and organizing information, interpreting […]

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Date:

2016

In Brief: Making A New Law

OJEN In Brief resources are designed to provide high school students with an introduction to basic legal concepts. Each resource includes a short lesson plan for the teacher; a 1-4 page plain language description of the legal topic; and activities that provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the topic. This handout […]

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Date:

2016

Courtroom & Classroom Visits Lesson Plans

These lesson plans can be used prior to a courthouse visit or a classroom visit from a justice sector professional. Strategies are provided for introducing students to the structure of the justice system in Ontario, as well as tips on courtroom etiquette and interacting with justice sector professionals.

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Date:

2016

Top Five 2003: R v Sheppard

Each year at OJEN’s Toronto Summer Law Institute, a judge from the Court of Appeal for Ontario identifies five cases that are of significance in the educational setting. This summary, based on these comments and observations, is appropriate for discussion and debate in the classroom setting. R v Sheppard, 2002 SCC 26, [2002] 1 SCR […]

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Date:

2016

Top Five 2004: R v Hamilton

Each year at OJEN’s Toronto Summer Law Institute, a judge from the Court of Appeal for Ontario identifies five cases that are of significance in the educational setting. This summary, based on these comments and observations, is appropriate for discussion and debate in the classroom setting. R v Hamilton (2004), 72 OR (3d) 1 (CA) Two […]

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Date:

2016