Programs & Resources for Teachers & Youth

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.

Court Choices for Youth

When young people testify in court, they may feel like they don’t have many choices when, in reality, they do. CourtChoices.ca uses animated videos to teach youth about the choices they have when testifying as well as what happens before, during and after testifying.

Duel with the Devil

Duel with the Devil is a documentary that takes viewers to the streets of Guatemala City, where on a “bad day” 15 people can be murdered. The film details a Canadian-supported project aimed at helping the Guatemalan justice system become more effective. A Study Guide is also available.

It’s Time: African Women Join Hands Against Domestic Violence

This video takes viewers inside women's safe houses, giving an inside glimpse of the lives of African women and girls forced to flee abuse. It's Time: African Women Join Hands Against Domestic Violence details a unique partnership between a Canadian agency and two African organizations that are working to combat an epidemic of domestic violence. A teacher’s guide is included.

Legal Journeys

Legal Journeys gives teachers the background information necessary to teach the basics of our legal system and expose students to the concepts and principles that underlie it. Ideal for elementary school students, the lessons can be used to prepare for courtwatching and performing mock trials.

Legal Quest

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

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.

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.

Teachers' Law Institutes

Teachers' Law Institutes provide teachers with an exceptional professional development opportunity for learning about the law and BC's legal system. The Institutes, which are organized throughout BC, feature topics like forensic science, crime scene investigation, coroner’s court and restorative justice. All resources are available to the public.

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.