Mr. Aldunate
CLN 4U1
What would you do?
SCENARIO 1
Imagine you are charged with an offence of which you are wholly innocent, but there are
circumstances implicating you. What kind of a judge would you want if your rights had been
violated? What characteristics would you want her or him to have? Would you care if the judge felt
obliged to government, or if there was “something in it” for the judge if they decided the case a
particular way?
SCENARIO 2
Your family believes in home schooling. The government ministry responsible for children takes you
away from your parents because a social worker disagrees with the way your parents choose to
home school you. What can your parents do to contest the government’s decision to take you
away? Would you want a judge to hear your case or a senior member of the government ministry in
charge of children? Will you receive a fair trial? Why or why not?
SCENARIO 3
You are protesting against a logging operation, and you are arrested for refusing to come down
from a tree. When you arrive for your trial you recognize the judge as a parent of a school friend of
yours. You know for a fact that the judge’s husband is the Chief Executive Officer of a large logging
corporation. Will you receive a fair trial? Why or why not? Will your legal rights be violated? If so,
which ones?
SCENARIO 4
You are driving when a pedestrian steps off the curb into the middle of the road. You do not stop on
time and she suffers a permanent injury. You are brought before a judge in a criminal court. The
victim is the daughter of a famous politician. Will you receive a fair trial? Why or why not? Will your
legal rights be violated? If so, which ones?
Taken from: Values of the Justice System www.ojen.ca