April 30, 2018 Law Trial Procedures

1. Trial Procedures

2. Preparation for a U shaped discussion.

Instead of an adversarial debating format, the U shaped discussions encourages students to see the merits of all sides and rather than holding binary opposite views one may have a positions along a continuum. The goal is to encourage you to endorse positions temporarily while listening to others in an attempt to figure out the most defensible personal stance along a continuum of possibilities. Rather than trying to convince others, students explain why the position they are sitting or standing in is the most defensible one for them. There is no need to reach consensus on the issue.

• Each student should individually decide which of three answers best represents their thinking on a proposition: No, yes or maybe.
• The “maybe” group stand in line across the front/or back of the class and discuss amongst yourself then select a spokespersons to explain your reasoning. When they are done, ask if any students in the audience have changed their mind and, if so, invite them to join the “maybe” group.   
• The “no” students should form a line along the side of the classroom perpendicular to the “maybe” group and  a spokespersons to present their reasons. When they are done, ask if any students have changed their mind and invite them to join one of the groups. 
• Ask the “yes” students to line up on the other side of the classroom facing the “no” side (the three lines should form a U shape) and repeat the same process.
• Those of you that are the “yes” or “no” lines can move closer to the “maybe” line, if you are so inclined. Conversely, students in the “maybe” line can move to one end or the other, if they are attracted to that position.
• A dry run: Should the age for cannabis use and alcohol be lowered to 17?

• Some topics up for discussion:  In light of what you know about the offences of serial killers, pedophiles, those with gang ties and terrorists - those whose acts against society are most abhorrent and include murder, extortion, sexual assault and even violation of children - do you think we should bring back the death penalty? 
• Do you believe that stricter penalties for being a member of gang and having an illegal firearm will deter people from joining gangs.

4. Projects