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Course Profile   Canadian and International Law (CLN4U), Grade 12, University Preparation, Catholic

 

Course Overview

Policy Document:  The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, Canadian and World Studies, 2000.

Prerequisite:  Any University or University/College Preparation course in
                                    Canadian and World Studies, English, or Social Sciences and Humanities

Course Description

This course explores elements of Canadian Law and the role of law in social, political, and global contexts. Students will learn about the connections between the historical and philosophical sources of law and the issues in contemporary society. They will also learn to analyse legal issues, conduct independent research, and communicate the results of their inquiries in a variety of ways.

How This Course Supports the Catholic School Graduate Expectations

Canadian and International Law provides Catholic students with the opportunity to examine, from a legal perspective, some of the major themes of Catholic social teaching. In the first unit entitled, Heritage, students are asked to interpret legal concepts such as “justice.” This interpretation should also include an understanding that, “In a world marked by poverty, oppression and war, we are commanded to work for justice and peace” (Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1989). When students study the rights and freedoms we enjoy as Canadians, they also need to examine the Church’s teachings on human rights and responsibilities in order that they may act to promote social responsibility, human solidarity, and the common good, and to consider how many core values Catholicism has in common with the values inherent in Canadian human rights law. When students examine Canadian labour laws, they learn to appreciate the dignity of work and the belief that people have a right to decent and productive work, fair wages, private property, and economic initiative. The study of environmental laws invites our students to examine Church teachings on stewardship – providing them with a unique perspective for evaluating domestic and international protection provisions. Finally, the study of international law asks our students to move beyond the borders of Canada. An understanding of Church teachings in the area of human solidarity will help them to appreciate our responsibilities to each other across national, racial, economic, and ideological differences. We are called to work globally for justice.

Course Notes

This Course Profile explores elements of Canadian law and the role of law in social, political, and global contexts. In the Heritage unit, students examine the historical and philosophical origins of law and their connection and relevance to contemporary society. They are asked to evaluate different concepts, principles, philosophies, and theories of law, and to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between law and societal values. An understanding of the historical development of both human rights legislation and constitutional law in Canada is developed in the unit entitled, “Rights and Freedoms.” Students also examine the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, in particular the role of the legislature and the judiciary in defining, interpreting, and enforcing Charter rights. They also explore the meaning and application of such rights in contemporary Canadian society emphasizing the need to balance individual and collective rights. In the Criminal Law and Procedures unit, students examine theories about criminal conduct and the nature of criminal behaviour. They are also asked to analyse the Canadian criminal trial process and to demonstrate an understanding of the competing concepts of justice as they apply to the criminal justice system. In the International Law unit, students examine the principles of international law, and evaluate the effectiveness of international law, treaties, and agreements in resolving conflicts of a global nature. In the fifth unit, students examine both environmental and labour law developing an understanding of the role of governments, the courts, and individual and collective action in protecting the environment, and of the legal process and sanctions used to protect the rights of the employer and the employee in the workplace. The final unit for this course is the course culminating activity. Throughout this course, students also learn to analyse legal issues, conduct independent research and communicate the results of their inquires in a variety of ways.

The study of the Canadian legal system is an essential part of Canadian studies. An understanding of the legal system is a vital part of the operation of a democratic and orderly society and of a student’s education. Students who understand the role and impact of the law in our society are much more likely to be effective members of Canadian society. They are also be better equipped to understand and appreciate the dynamic nature of the law in response to social change as well as the traditional values the law seeks to uphold.

Students gain an understanding of the historical and philosophical origins of law; the historical development of human rights legislation in Canada; the competing concepts of justice as they apply to criminal law; and the concepts, purposes, and principles of international, environmental, and labour law. At every opportunity, students learn the origins of processes and concepts, how they apply today, and some of the current issues that surround them. They are then able to see both the continuity of the legal tradition and the current challenges that may shape change in the law.

In this course it is appropriate to research legal cases and social issues that surround the law. By framing inquiry skills within a legal context, students can be taught to appreciate the demands of critical thinking and rigorous approaches to research as they develop skills in their senior years in high school. The research and analytic skills necessary for the investigation of these subjects should be dealt with over the entire course. The teaching of skills over the entirety of the course allows students more time to investigate and examine topics of interest and to develop research skills.

Teachers of this course should be sensitive to the controversial nature of some topics and be careful to manage debate so that students learn to be respectful of the opinions of others.

As much as possible, students should be given opportunities to use technology to conduct their research. Through using technologies, students become familiar with the wide range of their potential use for future study and for the working world. Increasingly, statistical information, case reports, legislation, and professional journals in the field of Canadian law are becoming available in electronic format.

This course should equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entrance to specific university and college programs. Teaching and learning techniques emphasize the development of independent learning and research skills that students are required to demonstrate.

Units:  Titles and Time

* Unit 1

Heritage

20 hours

Unit 2

Rights and Freedoms

20 hours

Unit 3

Criminal Law and Procedures

20 hours

Unit 4

International Law

25 hours

Unit 5

Labour and Environmental Law

15 hours

Unit 6

Methods of Legal Inquiry – Course Culminating Activity

10 hours

* This unit is fully developed in this Course Profile.

Unit Overviews

Unit 1:  Heritage

Time:  20 hours

Unit Description

Students demonstrate their understanding of the historical and philosophical origins of law. As well, they demonstrate an understanding of the connection and relevance of the historical and philosophical origins of law to contemporary society. Different concepts, principles, philosophers, and theories of law are evaluated. Students demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between law and societal values. Finally, the influence of individual and collective action on the evolution of the law is assessed. Students are also asked to examine the views of the Catholic Church on such legal concepts as justice, equity, and equality.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

HTV.02, LIV.03, HT2.01, HT2.02, HT2.03, HT2.04, HT2.05, LI1.03, LI1.04, LI3.03, LI3.05
CGE 1d, 2a, 2b, 3c

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

Legal Theories and Concepts

2

HTV.01, LIV.03, HT1.01, HT1.02, HT1.03, HT1.04, LI1.03, LI1.04, LI3.03
CGE 2b, 2d, 3b, 3c, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication

Sources of Law

3

HTV.03, LIV.03, HT3.01, HT3.02, LI1.03, LI1.04, LI3.02, LI3.06
CGE 1d, 2b, 2d, 3f, 7a

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication

The Interrelation of Law, Morality and Religion

4

HTV03, LIV.01, LIV.03, HT3.03, LI1.02, LI1.04, LI3.02, LI3.05
CGE 1d, 3c, 3f, 4g, 7c

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

Conflicts Between the Law and Societal Values

5

HTV.04, LIV.03, HT1.03, HT4.02, HT4.03, LI1.04, LI3.04
CGE 2a, 2b, 3b, 3d, 3f

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/inquiry Communication

Individual and Collective Action in Changing the Law

6

HTV.04, LIV.01, LIV.03, HT4.01, LI1.02, LI3.05
CGE 1d, 2a, 2d, 3c, 4f

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

The Impact of Individual Citizens in Changing the Law

Unit Culminating Activity

Biography – Students research the influence of individual citizens who have fought to change the law. Examples of individuals who could be studied may include Dr. Henry Morgentaler, Nelson Mandela, Sue Rodriguez. Presentations of researched material could be a visual display or oral presentation.

 

Unit 2:  Rights and Freedoms

Time:  20 hours

Unit Description

Students explain the development of Canadian constitutional law and to demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of human rights legislation in Canada. In their examination of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, students develop an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals. They are also asked to explain the role of the legislature and the judiciary in defining, interpreting, and enforcing Charter rights in Canada. Finally, students are asked to analyse the conflicts between rights and freedoms and between minority and majority rights in a democratic society and to describe the methods available to resolve these conflicts. Throughout this unit, Catholic students develop an understanding of the Church’s views on human rights standards. All persons are sacred, made in the image and likeness of God. People do not lose this dignity because of disability, poverty, age, or any other factor.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

RFV.01, RFV1.05, LIV.03, RF1.01, RF1.02, RF1.03, LI1.03, LI1.04
CGE 2b, 2d, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication

Human Rights in Canada

2

RFV.02, LIV.03, RF2.01, RF2.02, RF2.03, RF2.04, LI1.03, LI1.04
CGE 2d, 3b, 4f, 7h

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication

Canadian Constitutional Law

3

RFV.03, RFV.05, LIV.03, RF3.01, RF3.02, RF3.03, RF3.04, LI1.03, LI1.04, LI3.03
CGE 1d, 2c, 2d, 4a, 7h

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

4

RFV.04, LIV.01, LIV.03, RF4.01, RF4.02, RF4.03, LI1.02, LI1.04, LI3.01
CGE 1d, 2d, 5g, 7e

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

The Legislature and the Judiciary

5

RFV05, LIV.03, RF5.01, RF5.02, RF5.03, LI1.04, LI3.03, LI3.06
CGE 2d, 3d, 3f, 7c

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

Minority and Majority Rights

Unit Culminating Activity - Suggestions

Supreme Court Presentation – Students prepare a brief written argument of the type that might be presented to the Supreme Court of Canada involving rights and freedoms under the Charter.

Human Rights Tribunal – Students prepare and present a submission to the Human Rights Tribunal.

 

Unit 3:  Criminal Law and Procedures

Time:  20 hours

Unit Description

Students analyse theories about criminal conduct and the nature of criminal behaviour. They are also asked to explain what constitutes a crime in Canada. Further, students are asked to analyse the Canadian criminal trial procedure. In their examination of the criminal trial process, students study pre-trial procedures, the key features of the trial process, legally acceptable defences to criminal conduct, and the types and purposes of sentencing. Finally, students are asked to demonstrate an understanding of competing concepts of justice as they apply to the criminal justice system. In their examination of these concepts of justice, students are asked to analyse a legal case in which the principles of justice have been violated. This final activity is important for Catholic students. They need to understand the principles of justice to assist them as they witness Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful, and compassionate society.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

CLV.01, LIV.03, CL1.01, CL1.02, LI1.03, LI1.04, LI3.03
CGE 1d, 3b, 7a

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication

Theories of Crime

2

CLV.01, LIV.03, CL1.03, CL1.04, CL1.05, LI1.03, LI1.04, LI3.03
CGE 2a, 2b, 2d, 3b

Knowledge/Understanding Communication

Purpose of Criminal Law

3

CLV.02, LIV.03, CL2.01, CL2.02, LI1.03, LI1.04, LI3.03
CGE 2b, 2d, 3b, 4f

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication

Police Investigation and Pre-Trial Process

4

CLV.02, LIV.03, CL2.03, CL2.04, CL2.05, LI1.03, LI1.04, LI3.03
CGE 1d, 2a, 2d, 3c, 7d

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

Criminal Trial Process, Legal Defences and Sentencing

5

CLV.03, LIV.03, CL2.01, CL2.02, LI1.03, LI1.04, LI3.01, LI3.03
CGE 1d, 2b, 2d, 7a, 7e

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

Concepts and Principles of Justice

6

CLV.03, LIV1.01, LIV.03, CL3.03, LI1.02, LI3.02, LI3.05
CGE 1d, 2b, 2d, 7a, 7e

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

Legal Cases and the Principles of Justice

Unit Culminating Activity - Suggestions

Legal Case – Students prepare a report, written or oral, in which they have analysed a case in which one or more of the principles of justice have been violated. Some possible suggestions for cases to be examined could include the cases of Steven Truscott, Donald Marshall, David Milgaard, and Guy Paul Morin.

Defence Handbook – Students could create a handbook which explains in written and graphic format legally acceptable defences.

 

Unit 4:  International Law

Time:  25 hours

Unit Description

Students look at the main concepts and principles of international law. They use this as a basis for investigating the global issues in international law as well as the agencies that currently enforce this law. Students assess the role of treaties and agreements in resolving international problems, and use current events as a means of analysing the complexity of world problems. Finally, they apply their learning to the analysis of the use of international law in one particular case study. This unit affords our students the opportunity to move beyond the borders of Canada. For Catholic students this is crucial if they are to understand the Church’s views on human solidarity. The Catholic Catechism teaches us that solidarity “presupposes the effort for a more just social order where tensions are better able to be reduced and conflicts more readily settled by negotiation” (1940). By studying international law, students can begin to discover how it may be used to create a just world based on the teachings of social justice.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

RDV.03, LIV.03, RD3.01, RD3.02, RD5.03, LI3.01, LI3.02
CGE 2c, 2d, 7f, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication

Principles of International Law

2

RDV.04, LIV.03, RD3.03, RD3.04, LI2.01, LI3.01, LI3.06
CGE 2c, 2d, 3c, 7f, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

Global Concerns and Agencies

3

RDV.04, LIV.02, RD4.01, RD4.02, RD4.04, RD4.05, LIV.03, LI1.04, LI2.02, LI3.01, LI3.05
CGE 1d, 2b, 3c, 7f, 7g, 7i

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

Treaties and Agreements

4

RDV.04, LIV.01, LIV.02, LIV.03, RD4.05, RD5.02, LI1.01, LI1.02, LI1.03, LI2.01, LI2.02, LI2.03, LI2.04, LI3.02
CGE 1d, 2b, 3c, 7e, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

Peaceful Resolution of Conflict

5

RDV.05, LIV.01, LIV.02, LIV.03, RD5.01, RD5.04, RD5.05, LI1.02, LI1.04, LI2.01, LI2.02, LI2.04, LI3.01, LI3.02, LI3.03
CGE 1d, 2b, 2d, 3c, 7e, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication Application

Use of Force and International Intervention

Unit Culminating Activity

Students in groups produce a bulletin board or computer display evaluating the application of peaceful means and/or military intervention in a case study, e.g., Rwandan military intervention, trade sanctions, war crimes, trade treaties, arms limitation, space and sea treaties.

 

Unit 5:  Labour and Environmental Law

Time:  15 hours

Unit Description

Students explore the role of government and citizens in two important areas of public law: the environment and the workplace. Students analyse legislation that affects both areas and develop an understanding of how citizens can have an impact as well. Finally, students present a bill creating a new law, or an amendment to an existing law, to a legislative committee to deal with a problem or new development in one of the two areas of law. In their study of both environmental and labour laws, Catholic students are asked to gain in their understandings of Church teachings. When our students examine labour laws they need to remember that people have a right to decent and productive work, fair wages, private property and economic initiative. In the same way, when they examine environmental laws they must remember that God’s creation is a sacred gift entrusted into our care.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

RDV.01, LIV.03, RD1.01, RD1.02, RD1.03, LI3.03, LI3.04
CGE 1d, 2b, 2d, 3f, 7i

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication
Application

Citizens, the Government and the Environment

2

RDV.02, LIV.01, RD2.01, RD2.02, LI1.01, LI1.02
CGE 2b, 2d, 5g, 7h

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication
Application

The Government and the Workplace

3

RDV.02, LIV.03, RD2.03, RD2.04, RD2.05, LI3.04
CGE 1d, 2b, 2d, 3c

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication
Application

Organizing the Work Force

4

RDV.02, LIV.02, LIV.03, RD2.06, LI2.02, LI3.06
CGE 2b, 2d, 3f, 5b, 5d, 7e

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication
Application

The Changing Workplace

Unit Culminating Activity

Students, working in groups, research, develop and present a bill or proposed amendment to existing law(s) in one of the two areas of public law.

 

Unit 6: Methods of Legal Inquiry

Time:  10 hours

Unit Description

It is expected that students would conduct research and write essays throughout the course. To assist students with the writing of their paper, teachers should use a process that has students submit different components of the paper such as the selection of a topic, resource list, introduction, and outline. The assessment for these components could be formative in nature, while the final paper would be evaluated summatively. It is also suggested that teachers spend some time in class teaching students how to locate, utilize, and evaluate Internet sources. The essay should be handed in towards the end of the course for evaluation.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

LIV.01, LI1.01,
CGE 2b, 2d, 3b, 4e

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry

Selection of a topic

2

LIV.01, LIV.02, LI1.02, LI1.04, LI2.03, LI2.04
CGE 2b, 3b, 4b, 4f

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry

Conducting Research

3

LIV.03, LI3.02, LI3.05
CGE 2b, 3c, 4f

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry Communication

Writing a Research Paper

4

LIV.01, LIV.02, LIV.03, LI2.04, LI3.02, LI3.05
CGE 2d, 5g

Knowledge/Understanding Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

The Final Product

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

This course provides students an opportunity to explore, analyse, and reflect on the law and its study through diverse teaching and learning strategies. Students have multiple opportunities to hone their skills in communication through formal presentations, role playing, writing in role, and persuasive writing. Critical thinking skills such as formulating a thesis, identifying bias and viewpoint, debating, analysing primary sources, and problem solving are a focus of many activities. Focused inquiry, data analysis, note taking and guided Internet searches are examples of the research skills that students practise. Cooperative group learning is another important active learning strategy fundamental to many activities in this Course Profile. Tasks are designed to develop skills and concepts through a range of student learning styles. Each unit overview states specific teaching/learning strategies as well as the skills development and assessment/evaluation.

The Teaching/Learning Strategies employed in the Grade 12 University Law course should:

·         encourage maximum student engagement in the learning activity;

·         encourage student choice regarding the processes and products of learning in the Law classroom;

·         include whole class, small group, and individual instruction;

·         use electronic technology as appropriate;

·         address a variety of learning styles;

·         provide opportunities for genuine inquiry – to generate questions, apply a variety of investigative approaches and communicate learning in a variety of ways;

·         encourage students in self and peer evaluation;

·         use formative assessment to provide opportunities for practice and consolidation;

·         make authentic connections between the classroom, the school, and the local community;

·         respect the cultural diversity of Ontario classrooms.

The subject discipline of Law has its own particular ways in which language is used to express concepts. In order to help all students, but especially ESL/ELD students, teaching and learning strategies should show formative attention to the following aspects of language in written and oral forms:

·         specialized vocabulary/idioms

·         use of a wide range of tenses, and of active and passive voice

·         words, phrases, and clausal structures that indicate:

·         sequence/chronology

·         cause/effect relationships

·         contrast/comparatives/superlatives

·         statements of opinion, interpretation, inference

·         statements of speculation/hypothesis/prediction

·         statements of belief, intent, necessity, persuasion, evaluation, definition

·         explanations of reason

·         formation of questions for formal and informal circumstances, oral or written

·         active listening skills, e.g., phrases and syntax that express encouragement, requests for repetition, clarification, and restatement

·         activities such as reading/listening tasks (case-study/video-viewing) that need a specific and concrete product expected of students

·         completion of a graphic organizer/re-enactment or structured oral response

·         note-taking/summarizing

·         non-verbal communication skills, of particular importance to presentation tasks

Language development and the expression of concepts taught are greatly facilitated if written tasks are reinforced by oral tasks, and vice versa. All learners with difficulties benefit greatly if models or scaffolds for oral and written expressive communicative functions are initially provided for them by their teachers.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

The Achievement Chart, which is the basis for assessment and evaluation in this course, is found on pages 246 and 247 of The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, Canadian and World Studies, 2000. The chart identifies four major categories of knowledge and skills: Knowledge/Understanding, Thinking/Inquiry, Communication, and Application. These categories encompass the curriculum expectations in all courses in Canadian and World Studies. When planning courses and assessment, teachers should review the required curriculum expectations and link them to the categories to which they relate. They should ensure that all the expectations are accounted for in instructions and that the achievement of the expectations is assessed within the appropriate categories. Students should be given numerous and varied opportunities to demonstrate their achievement of the expectations across the four categories. The descriptions at Level 3 represent the provincial standard for student achievement.

The primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12, Program Planning and Assessment, 2000 outlines the philosophy and guiding principles concerning assessment and evaluation for Ontario teachers. Activities in this Course Profile suggest formative assessment, including diagnostic, and summative evaluation strategies and tools. Sample rubrics are provided for some of the major activities and for the unit culminating activity. The course culminating activity is designed to be a work-in-progress for all students. At the beginning of the course, the teacher should examine Unit 6 to become familiar with the suggested course culminating activity.

The activities and performance tasks in this Course Profile are examples of some strategies teachers may use with their classes. The following are some generic suggestions for assessment and evaluation techniques in Law courses:

·         Provide opportunities for student learning to improve by using formative assessment tools in each unit, e.g., visual organizers, practice quiz, self and peer editing of written work, teacher feedback.

·         Model the skill the students are to master, e.g., formulating a thesis, note taking, report writing.

·         Share with students clearly-developed criteria for their assessment and evaluation, e.g., checklists, rubrics. (Developing these tools with students helps to clarify how and why they are being assessed or evaluated.)

·         Accommodate special needs through the adaptations suggested in the activities and suggestions for how they may improve their performance.

·         Use assessment tools that are appropriate for the expectations being addressed and that relate to the categories on the achievement charts.

·         Ensure that criteria used for assessment match expectations in culminating activities that involve performance assessment.

·         In performance tasks involving group work, ensure that these tasks build in positive interdependence and individual accountability.

·         Match the assessment/evaluation strategy to the teaching/learning strategy.

Students should become competent researchers and writers through the activities suggested in this Course Profile. They will also practise and demonstrate a variety of written and verbal communication skills.

Seventy per cent of the grade will be based on assessments and evaluations conducted throughout the course. Thirty per cent of the grade will be based on a final evaluation.

Final Course Summative Evaluation

The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12, Program Planning and Assessment states that thirty percent of the grade is based on a final evaluation in the form of an examination, a performance, an essay, and/or other method of evaluation suitable to the course content and administered towards the end of the course.

Decisions about how the thirty percent will be allocated are ultimately up to individual teachers, schools, or boards. However, it is recommended that the thirty percent should be divided between at least two activities.

Accommodations

Every effort is made to assist students in achieving success in their Law course. Specific adaptations and accommodations are recommended with each activity. Teachers should realize that if expectations are modified extensively, then granting of the credit can be affected. The teacher must become familiar with the Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for exceptional students to learn the specific learning strategies that work best with each student. As well, the proficiency levels outlined in The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12, English As a Second Language and English Literacy Development, 1999, provide teachers and school administrators with a guide to receiving and accommodating these learners in the regular classroom.

There are a variety of strategies that can be used for students with special needs. Students with specific learning difficulties require specific adaptations to meet their particular needs in terms of learning, communication, and expression strengths and weaknesses. Students with attention deficit and behavioural challenges need to have opportunities for active learning and interaction within a controlled environment. The variety of learning strategies and student performance tasks provide teachers with some guidance, but each exceptional student’s program will require appropriate adaptations based on the assessment and suggestions included in the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Technology can also be important in modifying activities and accommodating for special needs. For example, prior bookmarking of key Internet sites will help to maximize on-line time. There are many enrichment opportunities for gifted students who may explore the issues and personalities in greater depth or from different perspectives.

When planning adaptation(s) of the Canadian and International Law, Grade 12, University course for ESL students, teachers should recognize and reflect on all aspects of language development. The academic needs of the newly arrived student to Ontario who is an English-language learner can be met with a program and activities that encourage cognitive skill development through language skills development.

Resources

Units in this Course Profile make reference to the use of specific texts, magazines, films, and videos. Before reproducing materials for student use from books and magazines, teachers need to ensure that their board has a Cancopy licence and that resources they wish to use are covered by this licence. Before screening videos for their students, teachers need to ensure that their board/school has obtained the appropriate public performance videocassette licence from an authorized distributor, e.g., Audio Cine Films Inc. Teachers are also reminded that much of the material on the Internet is protected by copyright. That copyright is usually owned by the person or organization that created the work. Reproduction of any work or a substantial part of any work on the Internet is not allowed without the permission of the owner.

Print

Any current approved Canadian Law textbook.

A Case for Canada, Vol. I Rights and Freedoms (ISBN 0-7730-5008-6); Vol. II. Minority Rights
(ISBN 0-7730-5010-8); Vol. III Social Justice (ISBN 0-7730-50124), Toronto: Copp, Clark, Pittman, 1991.

Pocket Criminal Code 2001. Scarborough: Carswell Publications, 2000.

Human Rights in Employment Law. Scarborough: Carswell Publications, 1995.

Wrongful Dismissal Handbook. Scarborough: Carswell Publications.

Annotated Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Correctional Services Canada, Ottawa. (publications and videos on variety of topics related to corrections)

Teaching Youth Justice: A Teacher’s Manual for the Young Offenders Act. Public Legal Education, 1996.

Bendickson, J. Environmental Law. Concord, Ontario: Irwin Law, 1997.

Dickinson, Liepner, Talos, and Buckingham. Understanding the Law. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. 1996.

Dukelow, D.A. and B. Nurse. The Dictionary of Canadian Law, 2nd ed. Scarborough: Carswell, 1995.

Pink, J. and D. Perrier. From Crime to Punishment, 2nd ed. Scarborough: Carswell, 1992.

Roach, Kent. Criminal Law. Concord, Ontario: Irwin Law, 1996.

Internet Resources

The URLs for the websites have been verified by the writer prior to publication. Given the frequency with which these designations change, teachers should always verify the websites prior to assigning them for student use.

General Legal Sites

Laws of Canada – http://canada.justice.gc.ca/Loireg/index_en.html

Ontario Statutes and Regulations – http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca

Access to Justice Network – www.acjnet.org

Judgments from the Supreme Court, 1985-2000 – http://www.lexum.umontreal.ca/csc-scc/

Site for Canadian Law and resource materials – http://www/acjnet.org/acjeng.html

The Law Room – http://www.uottawa.ca/hrrec/lawroom/lawroom.html

Junior High Justice – http://edm.johnhoward.org/education/graphics.html

Canadian Legal Resources on the Net – http://www.nbnet.mb.ca/~psim_law.html

Guide to Ontario Courts – http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/english.htm

Law Related Internet Resources – http://infolibrary.yorke.ca/depts/law/links.htm

Law Commission of Canada – http://www.lc.gc.ca/

Jurist Canada – Legal Education Network – http://jurist.law.utoronto.ca/

Canadian Bar Association - contests and mock trial information – http://www.cba.ca

Supreme Court Reports – http://www.droit.umontreal.ca/e_index

Legal Line – http://www.legalline.ca

Canadian Law – http://www.CanLaw.com

Best Guide to Canadian Legal Research – http://legalresearch.org/

Canadian Encyclopedia World Edition. McClelland and Stewart, 1999: MacLean’s updates. (Morin and Latimer cases; conflict-resolution mechanisms: courts, mediation, arbitration) – http://CBC.ca/cgi-bin/templates/view.cgi (Milgaard compensation) – http://www.canada.gc.ca/howgoc/govorg_e.html (Government Organizational Chart: Judiciary) – http://www.fcnetwork.org/4thnorth/joyceand.html (Joyce and David Milgaard presentation)

Department of Justice: Law – http://canada.justice.gc.ca/Loireg/index_en.html

Sources of Canadian Federal and Provincial Legislation: LIS2133: Legal Literature – http://www.fis.utoronto.ca/courses/LIS/2133/legisour.htm

Local or national newspapers, magazines, indexes, databases, and full text periodicals at BCIT Libraries
– http://www.lib.bcit.bc.ca/le.htm

Newspapers and Magazines and Editorials – http://www.webwombat.com.au/intercom/newsrs/index.htm – http://www.fact.com/eof.htm

Heritage Sites

The Jurists – http://www.blupete.com/Literature/Biographies/Law/Jurists.htm

The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy – http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/

Natural Law – http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/090769.htm

Philosophers – http://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/Internet/philos.htm

Rights and Freedoms Sites

Canadian Charter – http://www.pch.gc.ca/ddp-hrd/ENGLISH/charter/contents.htm

Charter Decisions Digest – http//Canada.justice.gc.ca/en/dept/pub/ccrdd/cdtoc.htm

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal – http://www.chrt-tcdp.gc.ca/

Ontario Human Rights Commission – http://www.ohrc.on.ca/

Canadian Resource Bank for Democracy and Human Rights – http://www.front.web.net/canadem

Human Rights in Action – http://www.un.org/Pubs/CyerSchoolBus/humanrights/index/html

World Alliance for Citizen Participation – http ://www.civicus.org

United Nations Declaration of Human Rights – http://www.un.org/

A Technology of Citizenship: Learning Democracy
– http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/CASAE/cnf99/eharris.htm

Canada at the Polls, Elections Canada (613-993-2975) – http://www.elections.ca

Summary of Choosing a Government, Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1998. (OCCB@OCCB.on.ca) – http://www.OCCB.on.ca

Criminal Law and Procedures Sites

Access to Justice Network - Overview of Criminal Justice System in Canada.
– http://www.cjprimer.com/canada.htm#head4.

JURIST Canada: The Legal education Network – http://www.jurist.law.utoronto.ca

Department of Justice Canada
– http://www.canada.justice.gc.ca/Publications/info_education/CCS/index_en.html

Ministry of the Attorney general of Ontario – http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/

Canada’s School Net - AWelcome to the Law Room
– http://uottawa.ca/hrrec/lawroom/lawroom.html

Correctional Service of Canada – http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca

National Parole Board – http://www.npb-cnlc.gc.ca/org/org_e.htm

RCMP – http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/

Canadian Bar Association – a mock trial competition guide – http://www.cbao.org/pdf/mt-tour-guide.pdf

Virtual Exhibition on Forensic Science – http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/myset/index.html

Trial Procedures – http://www.rcmp-learning.org/lim/ecdi0041.htm#step3

The Crime Primer – http://uottawa.ca/hrrec.lawroom/primer.html

Courts – http://canadajustice.gc.ca/en/index.htm

International Law Sites

StudyWeb: Government and Politics: World Government and Canadian Government
– http://www.studyweb.com/links907.htm

International Court of Justice – http://www.icj-cij.org/

International Constitutional Law – http://www.uni_wuerzburg.de/law/index.html

International Trade Law Branch – http://untreaty.un.org/ola_internet/itlb.htm

International Law – http://www.uncitral.org/

Canadian International Development Agency – http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/index.htm

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade – http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/

UN Treaty Collection – http://untreaty.un.org/

World Trade Organization – http://www.wto.org/

The International Law Institute – Links – http://www.ili.org/omnibus.html

Resources in Foreign and International Law – http://www.willamette.edu/law/longlib/forint.htm

UN Peacekeeping – http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/home_bottom.htm

The Lester B. Pearson Canadian International Peacekeeping Training Centre – Other Links
– http://www.cdnpeacekeeping.ns.ca/English/Links.htm

Basel Convention on the Trans boundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal
– http://www.basel.int/

International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development
– http://www.ichrdd.ca/111/english/contentsEnglish.html

International Monetary Fund – http://www.imf.org/

Interpol – http://www.interpol.com/

North American Aerospace Defence Command – http://www.spacecom.af.mil/norad/

North Atlantic Treaty Organization – http://www.nato.int/

Oceans and Law of the Sea – http://www.un.org/Depts/los/index.htm

Outer Space Treaty of 1967 – http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/SpaceLaw/outerspt.htm

United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime
– http://www.odccp.org/palermo/convmain.html

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
– http://registry.oosa.unvienna.org/oosa/treaty_status/index.stm

U.S. State Department – Fact Sheet on Diplomatic Immunity
– http://www.state.gov/www/about_state/diplomatic_immunity.html

World Health Organization – http://www.who.int/home-page/

Labour and Environmental Law Sites

CERES Environmental Law, Regulation, and Police – http://ceres.ca.gov/env_law/federal.html

Canadian Environmental Law Association – http://www.cela.ca/

Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy – http://www.cielap.org

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency – http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/index_e.htm

Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators – http://sedac.ciesin.org/pidb/pidb-home.html

Federal Labour Legislation – http://info.load-otea.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/federal-legislation/home.htm

Strategic Policy and International Labour Affairs
– http://labour-travail.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/psait_spila/index.cfm?fuseaction=english#law

Guide to Labour Oriented Internet Resources – http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/IRL/iirlnet.html

Research Paper Sites

Constructing Your Research Paper – http://bob.ucsc.edu/library/ref/instruction/research/libres.htm

MLA Style – http://www.mla.org/www_mla_org/style/style_index.asp?mode=section

A Guide for Writing Research Papers – http://webster.commnet.edu/mal.htm

The Research Paper and the World Wide Net – http://cwx.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/rodrigues/

How to Evaluate Information on the Internet – http://www.uscs.edu/~library/PsyTutorial/evaluating.htm

Evaluating Web Pages – http://www.lib.duk.edu/libguide/evaluating_web.htm

Research Tool and Law Links – http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/law/Research/Research_index.htm

Best Guide to Canadian Legal Research – http://legalresearch.org/

Audio-Visual Resources

A Question of Justice, TV/Ontario, Ministry of the Attorney General – A series of 10 videos dealing with a variety of legal issues. Also includes a teacher’s manual with each episode.

CBC News in Review – In particular the following episodes have relevant segments:

Sept. 1990 – Donald Marshall; Feb. 1991 – Canada’s Anti- Hate Law: The Keegstra Case; Oct. 1991 – Canada’s Rape Shield Law; Nov. 1991 – Capital Punishment in Canada; Feb. 1992 – Nancy B.: The Right to Decide; May 1992 – Freedom for David Milgaard; Mar. 1993 – The Trials of Guy Paul Morin; Oct. 1993 – Sue Rodriguez: Choosing Death; Feb. 1994 – Judges: The Use of Power; May 1994 – The New Criminals: Trigger Happy; Dec. 1994 – After the Crime: Is Justice Served?; Mar. 1995 – DNA Evidence: Science or Justice?; Apr. 1995 – Guns Control Law: To Stop The Killing, Cameras in Court: Justice Seen to be Done; Sept. 1995 – The Latimer Case: Mercy or Murder?; Oct. 1995 – The Bernardo Case: The Monster Among Us; Feb. 1998 – The Krever Inquiry: Assigning Blame; Apr. 1998 – Marijuana: Taking Another Look; Mar. 2000 – Private Prisons: The Profit Motive; May 2000 – Reena Virk: A Senseless Death, Conditional Sentencing: Effective or Not?

Freedom Had A Price, NFB, (C9194 043/EC009)

Twice Condemned, NFB, (117C 0193 095)

Human Rights in Canada, NFB, (111 C0189 059)

You’re Under Arrest, NFB, (106C 0179 088)

Government in Canada: Citizenship in Action, NFB (193C0190 124/EC009)

The Road to Patriation, NFB (106C 0184 013)

Justice Denied, NFB, (C9189 100/EC009)

High Risk Offender, NFB, (C9198 073/EC009)

When Women Kill, NFB, (C9194 002/EC009)

Post Mortem: A Look at Forensic Science. CBC

Journey to Justice, NFB, (113C9100077)

Chronicle of a Genocide Foretold – The Rwanda Series (3 parts), NFB, (113C9196159)

For Man Must Work or the End of Work – Changing Face of the World of Work, NFB, (143C100009)

A Right to Refuse – Worker’s Right to Refuse Dangerous Work, NFB, (113C0181066)

Children for Hire, NFB, (113C9194047)

Protection Force – Canadian International Peacekeeping, NFB, (113C9195103)

Canada’s Army Abroad, NFB, (113B0160025)

Worst Case Scenario – Environment, NFB, (113C91017)

Turbulences – Global Market, NFB, (113C9197161)

Human Resources

Library Staff/Resource teacher

Priest or Chaplain

This list will vary based on locality, but could include:

·         lawyer

·         judge

·         court clerk, court reporter

·         police officer – municipal, provincial, federal

·         probation officer

·         member of parliament

·         member of provincial parliament

·         member of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association

·         member of either the John Howard or Elizabeth Frye Society

Catholic Resources

Books

(Note: These books are mainly for teacher reference but some may be adapted for student use.)

Christian Justice. Minnesota: St. Mary’s Press, 1995.

Dreams, Dilemmas and Decisions. Manitoba: Friesen Press, 1994.

Gaudium et Spes. Second Vatican Council document.

Love Kindness. Jesuit Centre for Social Justice.

On Choosing a Government. Ontario Bishops, 1998. Pastoral Letter.

Rerum Novarum. Papal Encyclical.

Sollicitudo Rei Sociali. Papal Encyclical, 1986.

Summa Theologica. St. Thomas Aquinas.

Proclaiming Justice & Peace, Documents from John XXIII- John Paul II, Edited by Michael Walsh and Brian Davies, Twenty-Third Publications, Conneticut, 1984.

Stoutzenberge, Joseph. Morality: Christian Vision in Practice. U.S.A.: Brown Roa, 1992.

Stoutzenberger, Joseph. The Christian Call to Justice & Peace. U.S.A.: St. Mary’s Press, 1987.

Roberto John and Tom Bright, ed. Human Rights, Do It Justice!, Center for Ministry Development (203)723-1622

Ryan, Father Michael. Solidarity - Christian Social Teaching in Canadian Society. Guided Study Programs in the Catholic Faith, Canada, 1990.

Bright Tom and John Robert, ed. Access Guides to Youth Ministry: Justice, Center for Ministry Development (203) 723-1622

Internet Sites

The Vatican: Catechism of the Catholic Church – http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/ccc_toc.htm

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – http://www.cccb.ca/

The Council of Canadians – http://www.canadians.org/index.html

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops – http://www.nccbuscc.org

Canadian Ecumenical Jubilee Initiative – http://www.web.net\~jubilee

Church Documents – http://www.newadvent.org

Catholic Resource Centre for Teachers – http://catholiceducation.org

Catholic Resources – http://www.christusrex.org

Oklahoma Catholic Worker Organization – hhtp://www.justpeace.org

The Church’s Relation to the Government – http://www.mennolink.org/doc/cof/art.23.html

AWoodstock Theological Centre – http://www.mennolink.org/doc/cof/art.23.html

Social Teachings of the Catholic Church – http://www.monksofadoration.org/cathsoct.html

Unit 1: Heritage

The Catholic Catechism #1950-1986, 1897-1927, 2234-2246

Unit 2: Rights and Freedoms

The Catholic Catechism # 369-370, 2419-2425, 2401-2414, 1928-1948, (specific to freedoms 1730-1749), 2108-2109

Background on Catholic perspective on “human rights.” – http://www.tasc.ac.uk/cc/resource/hr01/ and
– http://www.nccbuscc.org/sdwp/international/univdecl.htm

Rights Issues and the Catholic Church – http://www.monksofadoration.org/rightstx.html

Amnesty International – http://www.amnesty.org/

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – http://www.unhcr.ch/

Unit 3: Criminal Law and Procedures

The Catholic Catechism #2265-67

Background on Catholic perspective – http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09073a.htm

Unit 4: International Law

The Catholic Catechism #2437-2442

You may want to consider using the “Development & Peace” Campaign on “Biopatenting a threat to the common good” as an example. See their webpage – http://www.devp.org/testA/current.htm

International News Relating to the Catholic Church – http://www.zenit.org

Oxfam International – http://www.oxfam.org/

Development and Peace – http://ww.devp.org/

Doctors Without Borders – http://www.msf.ca/

Drop the Debt Campaign – http://www.dropthedebt.org

Catholic Relief Services – http://www.catholicrelief.org/

Oneworld Online – http://www.oneworld.org/

Unit 5: Labour and Environmental Law

The Catholic Catechism - on Labour #2426-2436; - on Environment #299, 341, 337-349, 373

Concerning Labour Laws in other countries. See recent letter from CCCB (Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Web page connection: http://www.cccb.ca/english/default_e.htm

Catholic perspective on labour. Encyclical by Pope John Paul II, “Laborem Exercens”
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp﷓ii_enc_14091981_laborem-exercens_en.html

Catholic perspective on labour. Encyclical by Pope Lee XXIII, “Rerum Novarum”
– http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/leo_xiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum_en.html

Catholic perspective on the environment – http://catholiceducation.org/articles/environment/en0002.html

Catholic perspectives on “labour unions” – http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08724a.htm

Theology Library on the Environment – http://www.mcgill.pvt.k12.al.us/jerryd/cm/environ.htm

Environmental issues and the Catholic Church – http://www.monksofadoration.org/environm.html

Labour issues and the Catholic Church – http://www.monksofadoration.org/labortxt.html

Catholic Stewardship – http://www.catholicstewardship.com/

Friends of the Earth – http://www.foei.org/

OSS Considerations

This Law course provides students with the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge they need in order to pursue education and career goals and carry out social responsibility. This course provides students with learning experiences that are consistent with program goals outlined in Choices into Action, Guidance and Career Education Program Policy for Ontario Elementary and Secondary Schools, 1999. Students can relate what they are learning in this course to personal aspirations and interests and to possible work and life roles. To attain this objective, teachers should offer a range of career exploration activities, e.g., guest speakers. In some situations students may benefit from co-operative education and work experience, if teachers choose to add this component to the course. Examples of ways of providing these opportunities for students are suggested in Ontario Schools, Grade 9 to Grade 12, Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999, section 7.5, Co-operative Education and Work Experience (pp. 52-54).

This course also gives consideration to integrating technology across the curriculum, i.e., use of the Internet in research, students with special needs (modifications when necessary), using the community as a resource (visits to law courts), and using the library/resource centre. Teachers should also integrate the values of anti-discrimination, respect, and violence prevention into the course of study. When this course is taught in an adult setting more emphasis can be placed on the students’ own personal experience with legal issues.

Students taking this course may earn either an optional credit or an additional compulsory credit for diploma requirements.

 


Coded Expectations, Canadian and International Law, Grade 12,
University Preparation, CLN4U

Heritage

Overall Expectations

HTV.01 · demonstrate an understanding of the historical and philosophical origins of law and their connection and relevance to contemporary society;

HTV.02 · evaluate different concepts, principles, philosophies, and theories of law;

HTV.03 · demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between law and societal values;

HTV.04 · assess the influence of individual and collective action on the evolution of law.

Specific Expectations

Sources of Law

HT1.01 – trace the development of law from its primary sources in religion, customs, and social and political philosophy;

HT1.02 – distinguish between primary and secondary sources of law (e.g., constitutions, statutes, court decisions; legal writings);

HT1.03 – explain the distinction between common and civil law, substantive and procedural law, domestic and international law, and private and public law;

HT1.04 – compare various historical methods and systems of adjudication (e.g., trial by ordeal, trial by combat, adversarial versus inquisitorial systems).

Theories and Concepts

HT2.01 – interpret legal concepts such as democracy, justice, equity, equality, and sovereignty;

HT2.02 – analyse the views of historical and contemporary philosophers of law (e.g., Socrates, Aristotle, John Locke, Jeremy Bentham, Thomas Hobbes, R.M. Dworkin, H.L.A. Hart);

HT2.03 – evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different theories of law (e.g., natural and positive law, legal realism, feminist law);

HT2.04 – explain the concept of justice as defined by philosophers and legal scholars;

HT2.05 – analyse contemporary legal situations that raise the question of the conflict between what may be legally correct but is generally viewed as unjust.

Law and Society

HT3.01 – explain the interrelation of law, morality, and religion;

HT3.02 – analyse how society uses law to express its values;

HT3.03 – identify and analyse contemporary events and issues that demonstrate a possible conflict between the law and societal values.

Law Reform

HT4.01 – evaluate the influence of individual citizens who have fought to change the law (e.g., Dr. Henry Morgentaler, Nelson Mandela, Sue Rodriguez);

HT4.02 – assess the role of collective action in changing the law in democracies (e.g., lobby and pressure groups, voting at the polls, citizen petitions);

HT4.03 – assess the power of the individual citizen to change or modify our laws and determine under what circumstances individuals have a responsibility to seek legal reform (e.g., civil rights violations, police brutality, privacy issues).

Rights and Freedoms

Overall Expectations

RFV.01 · demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of human rights legislation in Canada;

RFV.02 · explain the development of constitutional law in Canada;

RFV.03 · demonstrate an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;

RFV.04 · explain the role of the legislature and the judiciary in defining, interpreting, and enforcing Charter rights in Canada;

RFV.05 · analyse the conflicts between rights and freedoms and between minority and majority rights in a democratic society and describe the methods available to resolve these conflicts.

Specific Expectations

Human Rights in Canada

RF1.01 – explain the evolution of Canadian human rights legislation from English common law to the Canadian Bill of Rights and then the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;

RF1.02 – evaluate the protections provided by federal and provincial human rights legislation;

RF1.03 – identify historical and contemporary barriers to the equal enjoyment of human rights faced by individuals and groups in Canada and analyse their effects.

Canadian Constitutional Law

RF2.01 – explain what a constitution is and why it is necessary;

RF2.02 – distinguish between the law-making powers of the federal, provincial, and municipal governments;

RF2.03 – explain the role of the courts in determining law-making jurisdiction;

RF2.04 – demonstrate an understanding of key events in Canadian constitutional history (e.g., the British North America Act, 1867; the Constitution Act, 1982; the Meech Lake Accord; the Charlottetown Accord).

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

RF3.01 – explain what is meant by entrenching rights in a written constitution;

RF3.02 – explain the definitions of legal rights, fundamental freedoms, and democratic, language, equality, and mobility rights under the Charter;

RF3.03 – explain how rights included in the Charter are accompanied by corresponding responsibilities or obligations;

RF3.04 – explain how citizens can exercise their rights under the Charter (e.g., by initiating Charter challenges in the courts to legislation or government action; by raising the Charter as a defence when charged with an offence).

The Legislature and the Judiciary

RF4.01 – explain how rights may be limited or overruled according to the Charter (e.g., section 1,
section 33);

RF4.02 – evaluate the role of the courts and tribunals and, in particular, the Supreme Court of Canada in interpreting Charter rights;

RF4.03 – describe how Charter rights are enforced.

Minority and Majority Rights

RF5.01 – assess historical and contemporary examples of conflicts between minority and majority rights (e.g., the Quebec sovereignty debate; Aboriginal land claims; affirmative action programs);

RF5.02 – demonstrate an understanding of the difficulty of balancing rights in a democracy;

RF5.03 – evaluate the political and legal avenues available for resolving conflicts (e.g., the courts, tribunals, referendums).

Criminal Law and Procedures

Overall Expectations

CLV.01 · analyse theories about criminal conduct and the nature of criminal behaviour and explain what constitutes a crime in Canadian law;

CLV.02 · analyse the Canadian criminal trial process;

CLV.03 · demonstrate an understanding of the competing concepts of justice as they apply to the criminal justice system.

Specific Expectations

Theories of Crime

CL1.01 – demonstrate an understanding of the main theories that philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, and criminologists use to explain deviant behaviour;

CL1.02 – outline the relationship between criminal law and morality and explain what is meant by criminal conduct;

CL1.03 – explain the legal definition of a crime and the concepts of mens rea, actus reus, and strict and absolute liability;

CL1.04 – explain the purpose of criminal law;

CL1.05 – explain the terms that relate to selected criminal offences.

The Criminal Trial Process

CL2.01 – explain the processes of police investigation, arrest, search, and interrogation of suspects;

CL2.02 – explain pre-trial procedures, including plea bargaining and release procedures;

CL2.03 – explain the purpose of key features of the criminal trial process (e.g., burden of proof, admissibility of evidence, the role of the judge and courtroom personnel, jury selection and the role of the jury);

CL2.04 – outline legally acceptable defences to criminal conduct and evaluate some of the more controversial defences (e.g., the “battered spouse syndrome” defence; the defence of diminished responsibility as a result of drunkenness);

CL2.05 – describe and evaluate the types and purposes of different sentences imposed in criminal law.

Concepts of Justice

CL3.01 – explain the concepts and principles of justice as they apply to criminal law;

CL3.02 – analyse situations in Canadian law in which principles of justice conflict (e.g., victims’ rights versus the rights of the accused);

CL3.03 – analyse cases in which the principles of justice have been violated (e.g., the cases of Donald Marshall, David Milgaard, and Guy Paul Morin).

Regulation and Dispute Resolution

Overall Expectations

RDV.01 · demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments, the courts, and individual and collective action in protecting the environment;

RDV.02 · demonstrate an understanding of the legal process, of legal systems, and of sanctions used to protect the rights of the employer and the employee in the workplace;

RDV.03 · demonstrate an understanding of the major concepts, principles, and purposes of international law;

RDV.04 · evaluate the effectiveness of international law, treaties, and agreements in resolving conflicts of a global nature;

RDV.05 · demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of making, interpreting, and enforcing law on a global scale.

Specific Expectations

Environmental Law

RD1.01 – explain the role of government and the courts in developing and enforcing laws relating to the environment;

RD1.02 – evaluate the role of individuals or organizations in lobbying for laws to protect the environment;

RD1.03 – analyse the effectiveness of the major environmental statutes in Ontario and Canada (e.g., the Environmental Protection Act, the Environmental Assessment Act).

Labour Law

RD2.01 – explain the role of the federal and provincial governments in developing laws relating to labour and the workplace;

RD2.02 – explain the intent of key components of federal and provincial labour legislation (e.g., the Canadian Labour Code, the Trade Unions Act, the Labour Relations Act, the Employment Standards Act);

RD2.03 – investigate the major differences in employer/employee situations in non-unionized and unionized environments (e.g., with respect to the negotiation of contracts, severance, security);

RD2.04 – explain why unions were formed;

RD2.05 – assess the utility of the collective bargaining process;

RD2.06 – analyse the impact of developments such as free trade, globalization, and changing technology on the future of collective bargaining and regulation of the workplace.

Principles of International Law

RD3.01 – explain the major concepts (e.g., extradition, customary law, diplomatic immunity) and principles (e.g., general principles, treaties and customs) of international law;

RD3.02 – demonstrate an understanding of the sovereignty of nation-states as an overriding principle of international law;

RD3.03 – identify global issues that may be governed by international law (e.g., human rights, jurisdictional disputes, refugees and asylum, collective security, trade agreements);

RD3.04 – explain the role and jurisdiction of the agencies responsible for defining, regulating, and enforcing international law (e.g., the United Nations, the World Health Organization, war crimes tribunals, the International Monetary Fund, Interpol).

International Treaties and Agreements

RD4.01 – explain the impact of international trade agreements on sovereignty by examining selected trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA);

RD4.02 – evaluate the effectiveness of international treaties for the protection of the environment;

RD4.03 – explain the purpose of international jurisdictional and boundary treaties (e.g., the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty);

RD4.04 – evaluate the effectiveness of international treaties for the protection of human rights (e.g., the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child);

RD4.05 – explain the role of the International Court of Justice in the Hague in resolving issues between nations.

Global Conflicts and Resolution

RD5.01 – explain how and why the use of force to resolve conflicts is limited in international law;

RD5.02 – compare methods of resolving conflicts by peaceful means (e.g., international diplomacy, sanctions, arbitration, mediation);

RD5.03 – identify domestic laws (e.g., the Nuremberg Laws, laws on apartheid) that conflict with the principles of international law and explain how they violate those principles;

RD5.04 – evaluate the difficulties and effectiveness of international intervention in conflicts between nations;

RD5.05 – evaluate Canada’s role as a member of NATO and NORAD and its role in international peacekeeping.

Methods of Legal Inquiry

Overall Expectations

LIV.01 · use research methods appropriately to gather, organize, and synthesize information;

LIV.02 · evaluate the credibility of sources;

LIV.03 · explain, discuss, and interpret legal issues orally and in writing.

Specific Expectations

Research

LI1.01 – formulate meaningful questions that lead to a deeper understanding of a legal issue;

LI1.02 – effectively conduct legal research, using traditional and non-traditional sources of information (e.g., law-related websites, primary source documents, legal advisers);

LI1.03 – classify and clarify information, using timelines, organizers, graphs, charts, and diagrams;

LI1.04 – compile summary notes in a variety of forms and for a variety of purposes, including research and preparation for debates, oral presentations, mock trials, tests, and examinations.

Evaluation of Sources

LI2.01 – distinguish among opinions, facts, and arguments in sources;

LI2.02 – identify the frame of reference and purpose of data;

LI2.03 – evaluate the credibility of sources and information by checking for logical errors, accuracy, and underlying assumptions, including prejudices and biases;

LI2.04 – evaluate the credibility of published and Internet sources by analysing the quantity and quality of evidence presented, as well as the methods used by authors to support their claims (e.g., use of footnotes).

Communication

LI3.01 – effectively present ideas, opinions, and arguments orally (e.g., in role plays, case studies, interviews, simulations, debates, group presentations, seminars);

LI3.02 – justify and support opinions, using proper legal terminology and informed research;

LI3.03 – use legal terms accurately and appropriately for a variety of purposes and audiences;

LI3.04 – create graphs, charts, organizers, images, and illustrations to support oral and written presentations;

LI3.05 – write clear, coherent, and logically organized reports, papers, and essays, observing the rules for ethical use of research material and following an accepted format for documenting sources;

LI3.06 – demonstrate respect for the opinions and perspectives of others in discussing legal issues.

 


Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

 

The graduate is expected to be:

 

A Discerning Believer Formed in the Catholic Faith Community  who

 

CGE1a    -illustrates a basic understanding of the saving story of our Christian faith;

CGE1b    -participates in the sacramental life of the church and demonstrates an understanding of the centrality of the Eucharist to our Catholic story;

CGE1c    -actively reflects on God’s Word as communicated through the Hebrew and Christian scriptures;

CGE1d    -develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good;

CGE1e    -speaks the language of life... “recognizing that life is an unearned gift and that a person entrusted with life does not own it but that one is called to protect and cherish it.” (Witnesses to Faith)

CGE1f     -seeks intimacy with God and celebrates communion with God, others and creation through prayer and worship;

CGE1g    -understands that one’s purpose or call in life comes from God and strives to discern and live out this call throughout life’s journey;

CGE1h    -respects the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys of all people of good will;

CGE1i     -integrates faith with life;

CGE1j     -recognizes that “sin, human weakness, conflict and forgiveness are part of the human journey” and that the cross, the ultimate sign of forgiveness is at the heart of redemption. (Witnesses to Faith)

 

An Effective Communicator   who

CGE2a    -listens actively and critically to understand and learn in light of gospel values;

CGE2b    -reads, understands and uses written materials effectively;

CGE2c    -presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others;

CGE2d    -writes and speaks fluently one or both of Canada’s official languages;

CGE2e    -uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition, in the critical analysis of the arts, media, technology and information systems to enhance the quality of life.

 

A Reflective and Creative Thinker   who

CGE3a    -recognizes there is more grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing all challenges;

CGE3b    -creates, adapts, evaluates new ideas in light of the common good;

CGE3c    -thinks reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems;

CGE3d    -makes decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience;

CGE3e    -adopts a holistic approach to life by integrating learning from various subject areas and experience;

CGE3f     -examines, evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society.

 

A Self-Directed, Responsible, Life Long Learner   who

CGE4a    -demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others;

CGE4b    -demonstrates flexibility and adaptability;

CGE4c    -takes initiative and demonstrates Christian leadership;

CGE4d    -responds to, manages and constructively influences change in a discerning manner;

CGE4e    -sets appropriate goals and priorities in school, work and personal life;

CGE4f     -applies effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, time and resource management skills;

CGE4g    -examines and reflects on one’s personal values, abilities and aspirations influencing life’s choices and opportunities;

CGE4h    -participates in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

 

A Collaborative Contributor   who

CGE5a    -works effectively as an interdependent team member;

CGE5b    -thinks critically about the meaning and purpose of work;

CGE5c    -develops one’s God-given potential and makes a meaningful contribution to society;

CGE5d    -finds meaning, dignity, fulfillment and vocation in work which contributes to the common good;

CGE5e    -respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others;

CGE5f     -exercises Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals;

CGE5g    -achieves excellence, originality, and integrity in one’s own work and supports these qualities in the work of others;

CGE5h    -applies skills for employability, self-employment and entrepreneurship relative to Christian vocation.

 

A Caring Family Member   who

CGE6a    -relates to family members in a loving, compassionate and respectful manner;

CGE6b    -recognizes human intimacy and sexuality as God given gifts, to be used as the creator intended;

CGE6c    -values and honours the important role of the family in society;

CGE6d    -values and nurtures opportunities for family prayer;

CGE6e    -ministers to the family, school, parish, and wider community through service.

 

A Responsible Citizen   who

CGE7a    -acts morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions;

CGE7b    -accepts accountability for one’s own actions;

CGE7c    -seeks and grants forgiveness;

CGE7d    -promotes the sacredness of life;

CGE7e    -witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society;

CGE7f     -respects and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures;

CGE7g    -respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and pluralism of today’s contemporary society;

CGE7h    -exercises the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship;

CGE7i     -respects the environment and uses resources wisely;

CGE7j     -contributes to the common good.

 

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