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. In the […]
OJEN is pleased to present a series of five related handouts designed to provide secondary students with an orientation to law as an academic discipline and a cornerstone of democratic society. Beginning with basic concepts like the rule of law and the nature of constitutionality, these become progressively more sophisticated, as students develop their understanding […]
Each OJEN Landmark Case includes a case summary, classroom discussion questions and activities that encourage students to explore both the legal and societal importance of the case. In 1995, the Parti Quebecois held a referendum to determine whether the residents of Quebec wanted to separate from Canada. A narrow majority of voters opposed secession (50.6% to […]
This 8-module resource provides strategies for dealing with a range of ideas, opinions and critiques about various approaches to policing. It includes interactive activities on the responsibilities of the police, police discretion and global policing systems. Students are encouraged to examine controversial aspects of policing, including perceptions of police, racial profiling and police oversight. Students […]
OJEN is pleased to present the first in a series of classroom resources designed to support classroom teachers’ integration of legally significant, but complex, current events into their law, civics and other classes. In Focus– Idle No More gives a short introduction to key events and legal and social issues raised by the Idle No […]
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. Under Canadian […]
This resource outlines the differences between a bail hearing and a criminal trial and provides a detailed overview of key elements of the bail process beginning from the laying of a charge by police. It includes information about grounds for denying bail, bail conditions and variations, the role and responsibilities of sureties and special considerations […]
This Aboriginal sentencing scenario focuses on an Aboriginal youth who has already spent time in a youth detention centre for previous crimes. He has now been convicted of assault. A sentencing hearing ensues during which a victim impact statement is read. The scenario is followed by 8 discussion questions which can easily be used for […]
In this aboriginal sentencing scenario, James, an aboriginal youth, pleads guilty to the charge of carrying a concealed weapon. The scenario can be used in a mock sentencing hearing or mock sentencing conference/circle or both. The scenario includes several questions dealing with the factors to be taken into consideration during sentencing. These questions may be […]
This OJEN Mock Hearings Toolkit has been developed to provide ideas and assistance to teachers or justice sector representatives thinking of coordinating a mock hearing (bail hearings, trials, sentencings, sentencing circles and appeals) for Ontario students. A student mock hearing is a simulation of a real court or administrative hearing, with students playing the roles […]
Marco Souza, an 18 year-old, is charged with theft under $5000, possession of stolen goods over $5000 and breaching previous bail conditions. He has a previous conviction for dangerous driving and other outstanding charges. The crown is seeking a detention order on the basis of a reverse onus, but Marco has several people willing to […]
