Students from schools across Ontario participated in OJEN’s first province-wide Twitter Moot. The online debate focused on the question – should we allow peremptory challenges in criminal jury trials?
Before the event, participants prepared for the moot with the aid of an OJEN resource package including background information and a suggested reading list. Based on the quality of the tweets, they explored the topic thoroughly!
On October 28th, using the hashtag, #A2JTM2020, students posted their opinions and actively engaged in online discussions. Throughout the day, Twitter buzzed with articulate, passionate and well considered arguments for and against peremptory challenges. Between 9 a.m and 5 p.m nearly 600 tweets were posted!
At the end of the day, determining winners was a challenge.
- The Most Persuasive Tweet was awarded to Daniela from Cathedral High School.
- The Most Engaged Participants Award was given to the students from Monarch Park Collegiate Institute.
Winning students received $50 Amazon gift cards.
Congratulations to the winners and thanks to everyone who contributed to a very interesting discussion!
Feedback from teachers and students was enthusiastic. Everyone agreed it was a fun way to explore an important legal subject.
Although the Twitter Moot was an Access to Justice Week activity, we are exploring the possibility of offering the program again in the winter or spring of this year!