OJEN Classroom Resources
OJEN has over 200 resources available for use in classrooms, community agencies and justice education programs. All OJEN resources are available for free in English or French. Resources are for general educational use and are not legal advice. Anyone dealing with legal issues should consult a lawyer for confidential, specific legal advice. OJEN retains the copyright over all OJEN resources and materials cannot be modified without prior written permission. There are four ways to search for a resource:
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Justice and the Media
This OJEN resource has been developed to provide a foundation for students’ understanding of the relationship between the media and the justice system and to develop critical thinking skills to consider issues of accessibility to the courts and confidence in media reporting. Developed in partnership with the Ministry of the Attorney General, it includes four […]
Jury Duty in Ontario and Mock Jury Selection
The resource introduces students to the jury selection process in Ontario, including how the jury roll is formed, how jurors are summoned, and how they are selected in criminal and civil trials. It examines the issue of the underrepresentation of First Nations and other minorities on juries as a critical human rights issue affecting the […]
In Focus: The Death of Sammy Yatim and the Trial of James Forcillo
This resource examines the police killing of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim on a Toronto streetcar, and the murder trial of Constable James Forcillo, who fired the shots that killed him. In particular, students will gain insight into the unusual outcome of Constable Forcillo’s trial, in which a jury found him guilty of attempting to murder Mr. […]
In Brief: Traditions of the Courts
This handout provides an overview of various traditions of the courts, including the coat of arms, courtroom attire, the judicial sash, the oath and the bow. The Canadian judicial system has inherited many traditions from the English court system. All of the traditions that accompany the court process serve to lend dignity to the judicial […]
In Brief: Structure of the Courts in Canada
This handout provides an overview of the structures of the court system in Canada, including descriptions of the Supreme Court of Canada, the provincial and territorial courts, and the federal courts.
In Brief: Section 24(2) of the Charter – Exclusion of Evidence
OJEN In Brief resources are designed to provide high school students with an introduction to basic legal concepts. Each resource includes a short lesson plan for the teacher; a plain language description of the legal topic; and activities that provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the topic. This handout provides an […]
In Brief: Rule of Law
OJEN In Brief resources are designed to provide high school students with an introduction to basic legal concepts. Each resource includes a short lesson plan for the teacher; a 1-4 page plain language description of the legal topic; and activities that provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the topic. The rule […]
In Brief: Roles in the Criminal Justice System
This handout provides an overview of the various roles involved in the criminal justice system, including Crown attorney, criminal defence counsel, duty counsel, court clerk, court artist, court reporter, surety and trial coordinator, among others.
In Brief: Restorative Justice in the Criminal Context
Restorative justice is based on the principle that criminal behaviour harms not only the victim(s) of crime, but also the community and the wrongdoer(s) as well. Restorative justice responds to crime by addressing the harm caused to victims, holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions, and restoring relationships with the community. From a restorative justice perspective, […]
In Brief: Mens Rea / Actus Reus
OJEN In Brief resources are designed to provide high school students with an introduction to basic legal concepts. Each resource includes a short lesson plan for the teacher; a 1-4 page plain language description of the legal topic; and activities that provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the topic. Generally speaking, […]