Justice Education Society of British Columbia

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.

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.

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.

In 2009 and for the next 5 years, art pieces will be submitted by senior level Secondary students from the Vancouver area. These works will become the “Art in the Court” Permanent Student Collection at Robson Square Provincial Court. This project is an ongoing partnership between the Justice Education Society, the Vancouver School Board and Robson Square Provincial Court.

Groups can learn about the different jobs and career opportunities available within the court system and how to pursue them. Career and Personal Planning is part of the Justice Education Society’s Justice System Education Program. Other activities in the program include court orientations, courtwatching, justice system personnel sessions and mock trials.

Groups can meet a judge, lawyer, sheriff or other justice system professional and ask them about their role and experience in the justice system. Justice System Personnel Sessions are part of the Justice Education Society’s Justice System Education Program. Other activities in the program include court orientations, courtwatching, mock trials and career and personal planning.

Court orientations provide an introduction to BC’s court system: how it works, why it is important and the legal terms and concepts used in court. Court orientations are part of the Justice Education Society’s Justice System Education Program. Other activities in the program include courtwatching, mock trials, justice system personnel sessions and career and personal planning.

The Courtlink Program provides an introduction to the justice system. The program features three subjects: Auto Crime Prevention, Youth-at-Risk and Aboriginal Youth-at-Risk. Topics discussed include racism, attitudes toward the police and justice system, auto crime prevention and property crime. Teachers’ guides are included.

Peer Resolution Conferences use restorative justice to provide students and administrators with an effective alternative to traditional school discipline procedures such as suspension. The conferences help youth deal with improper behaviour and actions and stay out of court.