Building Thinking Classrooms in Law - Based on Dr. Liljedahl
Thanks to Mr. Al Gee from Vernon for help building this activity into my classroom.
1. Choose a controversial topic in Law.
2. Create randomized groups.
3. Each group gets to use a non-permanent vertical surface (we have group whiteboards; chalkboards etc).
4. Read out the case of the Humbolt Broncos Bus Crash. Needs to be done orally. Kids write down salient points.
Teacher: Read the Wikipedia Page and know the trial inside and out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humboldt_Broncos_bus_crash
Read out the teacher script below (Thanks to Al Gee for the idea/script):
1. Choose a controversial topic in Law.
2. Create randomized groups.
3. Each group gets to use a non-permanent vertical surface (we have group whiteboards; chalkboards etc).
4. Read out the case of the Humbolt Broncos Bus Crash. Needs to be done orally. Kids write down salient points.
Teacher: Read the Wikipedia Page and know the trial inside and out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humboldt_Broncos_bus_crash
Read out the teacher script below (Thanks to Al Gee for the idea/script):
humboldt_notes.pdf | |
File Size: | 185 kb |
File Type: |
5. Based on all this evidence is the Accused Guilty or not, and what should be the sentence?
6. Actual Decision - to show class after: Read the judge's full sentencing decision for the truck driver in the Humboldt Broncos crash | CBC News
7. The class engaging in the activity!
6. Actual Decision - to show class after: Read the judge's full sentencing decision for the truck driver in the Humboldt Broncos crash | CBC News
7. The class engaging in the activity!
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Principles of Sentencing to Consider
Thanks to Wikipedia: Criminal sentencing in Canada - Wikipedia
Purpose and principles of sentencing[edit]Purpose[edit]Section 718 of the Criminal Code sets out the purposes of sentencing[6] and acts to protect society and to contribute, along with crime prevention initiatives, respect for the law and the maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society by imposing just sanctions that include one or more of a codified list of sentencing objectives,[7] as follows:
Purpose and principles of sentencing[edit]Purpose[edit]Section 718 of the Criminal Code sets out the purposes of sentencing[6] and acts to protect society and to contribute, along with crime prevention initiatives, respect for the law and the maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society by imposing just sanctions that include one or more of a codified list of sentencing objectives,[7] as follows:
- Denunciation
- Deterrence
- Separation of offenders
- Rehabilitation
- Reparation
- Promotion of responsibility
- The sentence must be proportionate to the nature of the offence.
- The sentence must be reduced or increased depending on the mitigating and aggravating factors.
- The sentence must be similar to sentences imposed on similar offenders for similar offences in similar circumstances, but it remains open to the sentencing judge to deviate from the range.[8]
- If the sentence is consecutive, it must not be unduly long or harsh.
- An offender should not be deprived of their liberty if less restrictive sanctions are appropriate.
- All available sanctions other than imprisonment that are reasonable in the circumstances should be considered, with particular attention for aboriginal offenders.
Scenarios For Discussion
scenarios_for_law_discussion_-_sentencing_final.docx | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | docx |
victims_needs_after_a_crime.docx | |
File Size: | 1117 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Possible Video to Show if Students Want More Info
Building Thinking Classrooms - Penticton Safety Review
Start by viewing this video on the safety review.
More info here: https://www.penticton.ca/city-hall/news-alerts/sought-community-safety-resource-review-get-underway
More info here: https://www.penticton.ca/city-hall/news-alerts/sought-community-safety-resource-review-get-underway
2. Show the students both these videos for context. (Also available as part of this larger news article: https://globalnews.ca/news/8439085/penticton-safety-review/
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3. Students View website: https://www.penticton.ca/focus-on-safety
4. Students Read News Article: https://globalnews.ca/news/8439085/penticton-safety-review/
5. Show the infographic below:
(We could create handout with this on the front and on the rear some key stats/info and a description of police/bylaw/cso/fire and their roles).
6. Distribute the Handout.
4. Students Read News Article: https://globalnews.ca/news/8439085/penticton-safety-review/
5. Show the infographic below:
(We could create handout with this on the front and on the rear some key stats/info and a description of police/bylaw/cso/fire and their roles).
6. Distribute the Handout.
city_of_penticton_services_review_handout_2022.docx | |
File Size: | 573 kb |
File Type: | docx |
6. Thinking Classroom Activity:
Goal: Present to council several solutions to help develop a safer Penticton based on the information provided.
Dr. Griffiths and Mr. Fitton will:
A. Create randomized Groups of 3 each at a whiteboard or vertical non-permanent surface.
B. We will read them key facts and piece of information about Police, Fire, Bylaw in Penticton.
C. Students will in their groups take notes.
D. Students will use their notes to come up with solutions to present to Penticton City Council.
7. End with Four Corners Debate (Totally Agree, Somewhat Agree, Somewhat Disagree, Totally Disagree).
Read the following statements and have students stand under the whiteboards that they identify with.
Bylaw Should Be Expanded
Police in town are being utilized well
We should hire more police
We should just learn to live with homelessness/addiction
It is a waste of money to hire more ______________ (police, fire, bylaw, CSO).
Goal: Present to council several solutions to help develop a safer Penticton based on the information provided.
Dr. Griffiths and Mr. Fitton will:
A. Create randomized Groups of 3 each at a whiteboard or vertical non-permanent surface.
B. We will read them key facts and piece of information about Police, Fire, Bylaw in Penticton.
C. Students will in their groups take notes.
D. Students will use their notes to come up with solutions to present to Penticton City Council.
7. End with Four Corners Debate (Totally Agree, Somewhat Agree, Somewhat Disagree, Totally Disagree).
Read the following statements and have students stand under the whiteboards that they identify with.
Bylaw Should Be Expanded
Police in town are being utilized well
We should hire more police
We should just learn to live with homelessness/addiction
It is a waste of money to hire more ______________ (police, fire, bylaw, CSO).
OPTIONS FOR ACTIVITIES:
1. Give them some key pieces of info you have compiled (from survey/your observations) and then get them to present solutions to city council.
2. Give them the background on the job you are being asked to do and get them to develop metrics to determine effectiveness; what would they want to know if they had your job.
3. Give them some info and make them the city council and they would decide what to do with the findings.
4. Make groups that are police, fire, bylaw, concerned community members, city council and get them to decide what their solutions are. (Still would have to give them a bit of background on what each does and the scope of their jobs).
1. Give them some key pieces of info you have compiled (from survey/your observations) and then get them to present solutions to city council.
2. Give them the background on the job you are being asked to do and get them to develop metrics to determine effectiveness; what would they want to know if they had your job.
3. Give them some info and make them the city council and they would decide what to do with the findings.
4. Make groups that are police, fire, bylaw, concerned community members, city council and get them to decide what their solutions are. (Still would have to give them a bit of background on what each does and the scope of their jobs).
Mr. Big Stings - The Crime Boss Scenario
We have a person who will be joining our class who has some excellent knowledge of the Crime Boss Technique developed by the RCMP to ensure justice for victims of crime.
-As a class we also did a "walk and listen" activity where we listened to the Crime Beat Podcast - "The Second Shift - Part 2" as we walked to a local park. Or we could stay in class and watch a video version of the podcast with images and video footage. - See below.
-As a class we also did a "walk and listen" activity where we listened to the Crime Beat Podcast - "The Second Shift - Part 2" as we walked to a local park. Or we could stay in class and watch a video version of the podcast with images and video footage. - See below.
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Discuss Videos above.
Read one of the following articles. Then have an informal literature circle. Or provide Lit Circle Assignments. Identify legal and ethical issues and benefits/disadvantages. We can also look at the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and relate it.
Read one of the following articles. Then have an informal literature circle. Or provide Lit Circle Assignments. Identify legal and ethical issues and benefits/disadvantages. We can also look at the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and relate it.
mr._big_police_stings_spark_debate___the_star.pdf | |
File Size: | 85 kb |
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A news Article that cannot print: Confessions and controversy: Murder case against husband of Sheree Fertuck latest test of 'Mr. Big' tactic | CBC News
mr._big__police_procedure__-_wikipedia.pdf | |
File Size: | 316 kb |
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in_defence_of_mr._big__legitimate_operations_aid_in_investigations___canlii_connects.pdf | |
File Size: | 184 kb |
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Engage in a Four Corners Debate about the Technique
- "The 'Mr. Big' technique is an effective way to catch criminals who may otherwise go undetected."
- "The use of undercover officers to build a relationship with a suspect and gain their trust is manipulative and unethical."
- "The 'Mr. Big' technique can result in false confessions from suspects who are intimidated by the undercover officers and feel they have no other choice."
- "The RCMP should only use the 'Mr. Big' technique in cases where there is clear evidence of a crime and no other way to obtain information."
- "The 'Mr. Big' technique is just good policing."
- "The use of the 'Mr. Big' technique can result in entrapment and is therefore illegal."
- "The 'Mr. Big' technique is necessary in order to dismantle organized crime networks and bring high-level criminals to justice."
- "The RCMP should be required to obtain a warrant before using the 'Mr. Big' technique."
- "The 'Mr. Big' technique is a form of psychological torture and should be banned because under the charter it would be cruel and unusual punishment."
- "The use of the 'Mr. Big' technique undermines the integrity of the justice system and is therefore unacceptable."
- "The 'Mr. Big' technique can be a valuable tool in solving complex and difficult criminal cases."
- "The use of undercover officers to gain the trust of suspects can help to build strong cases against organized crime networks."
- "The 'Mr. Big' technique has been successful in obtaining evidence that has led to the conviction of dangerous criminals."
- "The 'Mr. Big' technique can help to bring closure to victims and their families by providing answers and justice."
- "The RCMP's use of the 'Mr. Big' technique demonstrates their commitment to protecting Canadians and upholding the law."
- "Criminals have too many rights and are treated with too much leniency - the Mr. Big Technique is a great way to ensure Victim's get Justice."