Programs

Court Information Program for Immigrants

The Court Information Program for Immigrants eliminates language barriers to BC’s courts by providing free information and referrals to new immigrants and refugees appearing in court.

Justice System Education Program

The Justice System Education Program is designed for schools and community groups. The program provides an overview of the justice system, how it works, and who is involved. Activities include courtwatching, court orientations, mock trials, judge/lawyer sessions as well as career and personal planning.

Northern Native Public Legal Education

The Northern Native Public Legal Education program provides culturally-sensitive outreach services for First Nations communities throughout Northern BC. Outreach sessions and Courtlink programs are designed for students; adult programs are available as well. Topics include court processes, justice system careers and comparisons between current and First Nations justice practices.

Parenting After Separation

Parenting After Separation is a free three-hour workshop for parents dealing with family break-up issues of child custody, access, guardianship and/or support. Topics include the impact of separation on children, decision-making and legal options. Parenting After Separating Parent Handbooks are available in multiple languages. A Facilitator's Guide is also available.

Finances After Separation

Finances After Separation is a free three-hour workshop that assists separated parents with their finances. The program is also appropriate for extended family members and members of the community who provide support to separating parents. The program includes a Parent's Handbook and Facilitator’s Guide.

Aboriginal Parenting After Separation Program

The Aboriginal Parenting After Separation program helps Aboriginal parents through the separation process. The program includes a free three-hour session for parents that will empower them to make informed decisions about resolving issues after separation. Topics include helping children deal with parental separation and dispute resolution options. The program also includes resources for support workers and parents.

Teachers' Law Institutes

Teachers' Law Institutes provide teachers with an exceptional professional development opportunity for learning about the law and BC's legal system. Last year six Institutes throughout BC featured topics like forensic science, crime scene investigation, coroner’s court and restorative justice.

Courtwatching

Participants are taken to a courtroom to watch a real trial in progress and observe the roles of justice system professionals: judges, lawyers, sheriffs, court clerks, juries, witnesses, the accused, and parties involved in civil suits. Courtwatching is part of the Justice Education Society’s Justice System Education Program. Other activities in the program include court orientations, mock trials, justice system personnel sessions and career and personal planning.

Immigrant PLEI Consortium (IPC)

The Justice Education Society is the lead agency of a consortium of service agencies that will create a collaborative model for the provision of legal education and information to immigrant communities. The project, which involves 12 Lower Mainland organizations, will occur over the next two years.

Mock Trial Programs

Groups can learn the most about our justice system by experiencing it themselves in a simulated trial, called a “mock” trial. A mock trial is a definitive, dramatic, experiential learning opportunity. It develops advocacy skills and critical thinking in addition to providing knowledge about the law. We can provide a mock trial kit so that you can prepare the roles with your group beforehand.