Programs for Youth

The Charter Challenge is an online simulation for High School students created to help students gain a better understanding of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter Challenge involves students in a collaborative, decision-making situation based on a real-world scenario.

Courtrooms & Classrooms is OJEN's signature program, focused primarily on schools. Courtrooms & Classrooms facilitates visits in courts and in schools, providing opportunities for students to have question and answer sessions with judges, Justices of the Peace, lawyers, Crown counsel, managers of court operations, duty counsel and others. Tens of thousands of students, and hundreds of justice sector volunteers participate in Courtrooms & Classrooms each year.

Justices of the Peace are an integral part of Ontario's justice system and of its communities. Justices of the Peace make decisions that affect local communities, and participate in the outreach efforts that connect citizens with the justice system. Along with others in the justice system, the Association of Justices of the Peace of Ontario recognizes the importance of fostering interest and aspiration in young people to pursue the many diverse careers in the justice sector.

Schools and school boards have enjoyed developing intra and inter-school law symposia, with justice sector volunteers leading plenary sessions and workshops. Law symposia are developed to the individual requirements of attendee students, and have ranged in length from half day to full day events. While teachers organize most symposia, there are also excellent examples of student planning committees for these events.