Comments about Current Events Seminars

General Comments (1) well-prepared (for the most part) (2) eye contact (not just reading off a sheet of paper or off the screen) (3) volume (4) Practise the entire seminar (at least your part) so that words will roll off your tongue more easily (less stuttering). (5) Know everything about your case (especially basic information). Don’t just read Acts or Codes. Summarize them in your own words.

General Comments (6) Do NOT show your own bias. You want to remain neutral while arguing both sides of the debate. “This bill will kill people.” (legalizing euthanasia in Quebec) “Many people think it’s justified” instead of “It’s justified” (7) Be aware of the entire class (students with their hands raised, students who haven’t participated…) (8) Excellent use of excerpts (opinions)

Discussion Questions (1) Prepare specific questions based on what your classmates know (more on this later). Relate your questions to the study of law. Avoid asking (a) questions that are too big to be asked & (b) only personal- opinion questions (critical thinking). (2) Engage your audience. Respond to their comments (affirm, push back) and incorporate them into a point. Don’t be a passive presenter.

(3) Engage your audience (3) Engage your audience. Ask questions and give your peers a chance to respond so that you’re not just speaking for 20 minutes straight! (4) Be prepared with your own answers to your questions. (5) Everyone: Be specific in your answers (more on this later).

Discussion Questions NOT AS STRONG STRONGER How do you feel personally about…? Do you agree with the final verdict? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on…? What are the advantages and disadvantages of…? What do you think about the monetary remedy in this case? How would you have handled the situation? What problems do you foresee…? Will Justin Trudeau follow through on repealing the Fair Elections Act or is he just not ready? What are the legal implications of…? What purpose do you think ______ serves? Why would _____ be declared unconstitutional? Is it justifiable to ________?

Exchanging Ideas NOT AS STRONG STRONGER “I agree with some parts of what you said, but not others.” “I do agree that Bill C-51 limits freedom of expression, but I believe this limit is justified because…” “I don’t agree with what she said.”

Comments about Charter Case Assignment

(1) thorough summaries (for the most part) (2) List the actual section of the Charter (3) language: violating someone’s Charter rights, not violating the Charter of her rights

(3) infringement? Yes? No? Explain. (4) If yes – justifiable? Yes? No? Explain. (5) Defend your opinion.