Duty Counsel Day in the Classroom Kit

How to use the materials in the Teacher Kit

Thank you for being a part of Duty Counsel Day in the classroom! In this teaching kit, you will find three activities: A PowerPoint presentation, a mock trial role-playing scenario and a word search.
Ultimately, it is at the discretion of each teacher how they choose to utilize these materials. Below is an overview of how these materials can be used should you require guidance.

How it works

Step 1

Download classroom materials.

Step 2

Check for additional resources
in your province or territory.

Step 3

Learn about legal aid duty counsel and have fun.

Classroom Materials

PowerPoint presentation on Duty Counsel Day

The PowerPoint presentation is a student’s first introduction to duty counsel lawyers and their importance in the justice system. We recommend teachers do a quick run-through of this presentation with students to familiarize them with the concept of duty counsel lawyers and Duty Counsel Day before moving on to the next activities.

NOTE: A security warning may appear when you open the slide deck in Microsoft PowerPoint. Please select “Enable Content” to access the video links.

Mock court activity

The mock trial role-playing scenario is designed to show students fundamental aspects of the Canadian legal system, with students and teachers each taking turns acting as the accused, crown counsel, duty counsel and judge. The Leaders’ Guide can be used to facilitate the activity and guide questioning once the activity is done to get students thinking about some of the key takeaways from their participation.

DISCLAIMER: It should be noted that this activity is geared more toward high-school students in grades 9 through 12 due to sensitive topics such as individuals being arrested and dealing with the police. If students are to participate, we recommend it is on a volunteer basis and in line with students’ comfort levels. However, each teacher knows their student best, and we leave all decisions regarding student participation up to the sole discretion of the teacher.

Word search

The word search is a fun activity for students of all ages to learn some of the vocabulary used in the justice system.

Province Specific Resources

Select a tab below to view relevant materials for your province. 

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Legal Aid Alberta

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Legal Aid BC

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Legal Aid Manitoba

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

New Brunswick Legal Aid

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Legal Aid NL

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Legal Aid NT

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Legal Aid Nova Scotia

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Nunavut Legal Aid

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Legal Aid Ontario

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Quebec Legal Aid

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Legal Aid Saskatchewan

A Day at the Courthouse: Teacher’s Guide

Yukon Legal Aid

Questions or Issues?

Please contact [email protected] for assistance

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