Values of the Justice System – Grade 10 Civics Curriculum Resource
The resource was developed in 2005 by a team of teachers, and is based on discussions with Ontario’s then Chief Justices who identified key values underlying our justice system. The material is intended to assist in stimulating discussion, debate, criticism, study and analysis of principles underlying our legal system, recognizing that the teacher is entitled to use any or all of the resource as considered appropriate for the discussion of what may be controversial issues.
The activity clusters represent but a small portion of the entire course, estimated at about 20%, or 12-13 hours. Therefore, it is not necessarily intended that the classroom teacher utilize every activity found within the numerous appendices. Wherever possible, the activity packages were designed so that the classroom teacher could meet the expectations while engaging the students. Culminating activities, particularly in Section 5, enable students to delve into the nature and implications of legal rights and responsibilities. Beyond the immediate framework of the Grade 10 Civics course, it is anticipated that students will gain a greater, more nuanced understanding of their roles as citizens of local, national and international communities.
Table of Contents
Introduction & Teachers’ Guide
Detailed Table of Contents
The Ontario Justice Education Network
Values of The Justice System Curriculum Project
Notes to the Teacher
Accommodations
Course Expectations
Section 1 – Canadian Rights and Responsibilities
1.1 The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
1.2 Responsibilities of a Canadian Citizen/Resident
1.3 The Evolution of Equality Rights
1.4 The Issue of Sexual Orientation
1.5 What is the Rule of Law – Magna Carta
1.6 The Issue of Hate Crimes
1.7 Unwritten Constitutional Principles: S.O.S. Montfort
1.8 Courtroom Visit and Classroom Speaker Request Form
1.9 The Great Debate (DVD Resources not available)
1.10 Charter of Rights and Freedoms Landmark Cases
Section 2 – Fair Process
Activity 2.1 Fair Trial – Judicial Independence & Impartiality
2.1 How are your Rights Protected? 3 Scenarios
2.2 Cases FLQ, Tunisia, R. v Brown, R. v Barnes
2.3 A Question of Fair Trials: Reponses
2.4 Questions for a Judge’s Visit
2.5 Try Judging
Activity 2.2 Young Offenders
2.6 Statistics on Youth Crime
2.7 Comparing the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Young Offenders Act
2.8 Youth Court Sentencing Options
2.9 Types of Restorative Justice Processes
2.10 You Be the Judge: 5 Cases Studies in Youth Justice
2.11 You Be the Judge: Responses
2.12 Debate Topics
Activity 2.3 Can Canadian Citizens’ Rights Be Restricted? The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
2.13 Scenario and Case Studies
2.14 Case Studies in Citizens’ Rights: Reponses
Section 3 – The Citizen’s Role
3.1 Citizens Who Have Made a Difference
3.2 Worksheet: Citizens Who Have Made a Difference
3.3 Types of Non-violent Citizen Participation
3.4 Decision-making and Conflict Resolution
3.5 A Letter to the Editor
Section 4 – Resolving Disputes
4.1 Matching Sheet Various Administrative Tribunals
4.2 Disputes at Administrative Tribunals or Agencies – Scenarios
4.3 Negotiation Game, Negotiation Role Play, Mediation Role Play
4.4 The Office of the Ombudsman
4.5 “Manager Sexually Harassed Female Colleagues”
Section 5 – International Rights and Responsibilities
Activity 5.1 The Convention on the Rights of the Child
5.1 The Convention on the Rights of the Child
5.2 Fighting for Human Rights and the Rights of Children
Activity 5.2 The International Criminal Court
5.3 The International Criminal Court
