Mock trial participants make their case.
OJEN turned 15 this year!
Since 2002, our programs and resources have impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people throughout Ontario. And we’re just getting started! Looking ahead to 2018 and beyond we’re excited about opportunities to expand our justice education initiatives to new youth audiences. We know that providing young people with the legal life skills to navigate their world is one important factor contributing to greater access to justice.
Between now and the end of 2017, we’ll be posting 15 of our most significant achievements – reasons we think you’ll want to give us an extra-special year-end present!
Donate $15 or $150 …or more! Read all 15 reasons why your donation to OJEN will make a difference.
Reason #7
OJEN inspires youth with engaging, experiential learning opportunities.
“The students were completely engaged in the whole process. They learned how to argue the same case from the perspective of the Crown and the Defense while developing their advocacy skills . Students deepened their knowledge of the law and their ability to critically analyze the evidence in the mock trial. What a tremendous learning opportunity! Whether they go into the justice sector or not, it is a day they will never forget!”
Patricia Valeri-Tortis – Teacher, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
OJEN’s experiential justice education programs for youth provide a powerful way to bring law to life. Mock trial programs – whether school-based competitive tournaments or community-based experiential activities – give young people the opportunity to learn about legal issues in a hands-on way. As they prepare for their day in court, they gain an appreciation for the legal system and the people who work within it. Throughout the process, they develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making, public speaking and conflict resolution skills.
Since 2015, OJEN has partnered with the Ontario Bar Association to organize province-wide competitive mock trial tournaments for high school students. In classrooms across the province, lawyer coaches work with student teams to develop legal arguments and strategies, while guiding them through criminal law processes and procedures. Last year, over 1450 Ontario high school students from 162 schools participated in 31 different competitive mock trial tournaments around the province.
As one mock trial participant observed, “It exposes you to a whole new thing – you see it all in a new light – you just can’t understand this in the classroom.”
Mock trials are one of many justice education programs OJEN provides for youth that promote understanding of the justice system and build legal capability. To support OJEN’s experiential programs, donate to our 15th Birthday Campaign.