Justice Education Society of British Columbia

CourtsofBC.ca is a website that provides educational information and instructional videos about BC’s Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. In the videos Alex, a student interested in learning more about BC’s court system, speaks to three judges about the role and functions of the three courts. In addition to the videos, this resource also features downloadable student handouts and a Teacher's Guide.

Legal Independence: It's Your Right is a FREE resource that uses real-life examples in an engaging, 10-minute video to help Civics 11, Social Studies 11 and Law 12 students understand the concepts of judicial and legal independence. A Teacher's Guide is available. This project was developed in partnership with The Law Society of BC.

Parenting After Separation is a free three-hour workshop for parents dealing with issues of child custody, access, guardianship and/or support. The program is mandatory for separating parents in some BC communities. Topics include the impact of separation on children, decision-making and legal options. Parenting After Separating workbooks are available in English, French, Punjabi and Chinese.

This series of 10 large wall charts feature easy-to-follow illustrations of various areas of BC’s justice system. Series A is introductory and designed for elementary school and ESL students. It is also available in French. Series B is advanced and designed for use with high school, criminology and law students as well as justice system personnel. A guidebook is also available.

Though the Heavens Fall describes the Court of Appeal - what it is, what it does, and how it upholds values that are cornerstones of a free and democratic society. It highlights important changes, such as the introduction of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as gay marriage, and illustrates how concepts such as the rule of law and judicial independence are critical to the health of our justice system. A teacher's guide is included.

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.

The Community Crime Prevention Guide provides information and tools for BC communities to develop action plans and tools that can be used to build safe, secure environments. Topics include Mobilizing Communities, Engaging Youth and Evaluation. The Guide is available online and can also be ordered for free.

Learning About the Law uses very simple wording to teach English as a Second Language students about their legal rights and responsibilities in British Columbia. Topics include Renting a Home, Driving, Family Law, and Civil Law. Both the Workbook and a Teacher’s Guide are available online as well as for order.

Legal Quest provides high school teachers with all the tools they need to teach the basics of the Canadian justice system, including the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The program includes a game, charts, worksheets, scenarios and mock trials. Topics include The Law and You, Structure of the Legal System and Being in Court.

Your Voice in Criminal Court is designed for use by Victim Service Workers and other professionals to educate victims and witnesses about the criminal court process. The materials will help orient adult witnesses for Provincial Court. An informational booklet accompanies the DVD.