Lesson 2

What are we looking for in this section?  The roles and responsibilities of citizen’s in the justice system including jurors, advocates and elders?  Opinions about problems with the justice system and suggestions for how to reduce crime?

What are citizen’s legal roles and responsibilities?  In exchange for the rights provided to citizens in Canada, citizens have certain responsibilities and legal roles they should fulfill. These include:  - participation in democratic process through voting  - becoming informed about government actions  -communicating with their elected representatives  - knowing Canadian laws and abiding by them (can never plead ignorance)  - serving on juries when summoned

Jury Duty  Canadians participate in the justice system by serving jury duty. Citizens are randomly selected and it is considered a responsibility as a CND citizen that you must fulfill.  Anyone 18 years of age and older who is a Canadian citizen is eligible with some exceptions (i.e.. Criminal Records)  People can be exempted if they can prove it will cause them hardship.  Employers must allow employees time off if summoned, but do not have to pay them.

Responsibilities of a Juror  Must listen to a court trial and swear an oath to use only the evidence and the law to reach a verdict (a judge has power to “set aside” some jury verdicts but not in all cases).  Juries must always have twelve people and all twelve must agree on the verdict. Their decision must be unanimous.  Jurors remain anonymous during and after trials.  Read “On Jury Duty” p and answer: questions 1 and 2 at bottom of p.81

What are Justice Advocacy Groups?  Canadians can participate in the justice system through Justice Advocacy Groups (Advocacy means to work on behalf of an idea, policy, or person).  These are citizen-led organizations who work independently from the government trying to solve the underlying reasons for crime.  Two such justice advocacy groups are the John Howard Society and Elizabeth Fry Society

What do Justice Advocacy Groups do?  Provide public education about laws and justice system including YCJA.  Work with youths and adults who have broken the law to rehabilitate them and re- integrate them back into society.  Stand up for the rights of youth and adults accused of crimes  Lobby for measures to improve fairness of justice system for both accused and victims

John Howard Society  History of John Howard Society History of John Howard Society  Works with men, women, boys, and girls in trouble with the law to find out why they commit crimes and to then find individualized solutions to prevent future crime.  The JH Society tries to ensure the rights of those who commit crimes are respected and that they are treated fairly and just.  They also work with those released from prison to successfully re-integrate them back into society.  They rely on over 2500 community volunteers to run their programs (CND’s becoming involved in justice system)  Read article “Helping hand for men at risk”

Elizabeth Fry Society  Elizabeth Fry History Elizabeth Fry History  Similar organization that advocates on behalf of women and girls who have been accused of or convicted of crimes.  Main goal is to reduce the number of women criminalized and imprisoned in Canada  Attempts to find the root causes for female criminal activity and bring those issues into the public eye (Lobbying)  Helps women and girls successfully re-integrate back into society by providing them with the education, skills, and rehabilitation they need to prevent future crime.  Elizabeth Fry Elizabeth Fry

Discussion  13 Year Old Medicine Hat Teen Sentenced to 6 years in jail and 4 years community supervision on Aug for killing Parents and Brother.  2007 Article 2007 Article  Update Update  How do you think volunteering with an advocacy group might help you influence the fairness and equity of the youth justice system?

Role of Elders in Justice System  Under YCJA, young people can face consequences from Youth Justice Committees.  Youth Justice Committees reflect the idea of sentencing circles used in traditional Aboriginal communities.  These committees act on the idea that breaking a law harms everyone in the community, thus the community must be involved in the solutions  Discussion: How do elders contribute to the fairness and equity of youth justice?

Lesson 2 Review  Canadians have certain legal roles and responsibilities that must be fulfilled  Canadians participate in justice system by: - Knowing and abiding by laws of Canada - Fulfilling Jury Duties - Volunteering or becoming involved in justice advocacy groups - Become members of a sentencing circle or Youth Justice Committee.