St Dominic Catholic Secondary School

This course explores legal issues that directly affect students’ lives. To develop an appreciation of the Canadian legal system, students examine the historical roots of Canadian law and expand on their understanding of the role of government in making laws. Students also become familiar with the rights and freedoms that all Canadians enjoy as a result of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Students acquire a practical knowledge of Canada’s legal system, both criminal and civil, and learn how to analyse legal issues. They are given opportunities to develop informed opinions on legal issues and to defend those opinions. They will communicate legal knowledge in a variety of ways and settings including legal research projects, mock trials and debates.

The study of the Canadian legal system is an essential part of Canadian studies. An understanding of the legal system is a vital part of the operation of a democratic and orderly society and of a student’s education. Students who understand the role and impact of the law in our society are much more likely to be effective members of Canadian society. They are also be better equipped to understand and appreciate the dynamic nature of the law in response to social change as well as the traditional values the law seeks to uphold.

Understanding the Law extends the development of attitudes and values based on Catholic social teachings for Ontario Catholic School Graduates. Opportunities are given to students to integrate their faith with civic duty and responsibility. Students become familiar with events which are a part of the Catholic Church’s history such as the development of Mosaic law. When students examine the question of human rights, they begin to appreciate the relevance of Catholic social justice teachings. This course involves activities that encourage students to act morally and legally as persons formed in Catholic traditions. Law course graduates should be effective communicators of the Good News of Jesus Christ in their attitudes and approaches to historical and contemporary issues involving the law.

Communication with Parents/Guardians: It is my hope to communicate with all parents and guardians on a regular basis. As a minimum, I will call or e-mail you should your child be encountering difficulty, at the end of each unit. If possible, I would prefer to contact parents/guardians by e-mail. If this is satisfactory to you, I request that you print your e-mail address below.

Parent/Guardian e-mail address __________________________________________________________

We hope to make this an environmentally friendly course. With this said, almost all course material will be posted and distributed electronically. Students and parents can find most relevant course information such as weekly lessons/homework, resources and student marks at Mr. Forester’s Web Site http://firstclass.smcdsb.on.ca/~aforester. Your child’s ID code for access to my Assessment and Evaluation information is attached to this overview.

Portfolio: Each student will require a pen and a Course Portfolio. The portfolio is a separate 3 ring binder (2 or 3 inch) with loose-leaf paper subdivided into: an agenda, course notes, evaluated assignments and tests, a journal, and a glossary.

Assignments: Assignments are to be submitted in accordance with St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School Code of Conduct. Unless otherwise directed, a maximum of 10% will be deducted for late submission of assignments. However, a late assignment will not be evaluated after the student’s peers’ work has been returned. An extension may be granted by the teacher for extenuating circumstances. In this case, both the student and parent/guardian will be expected to sign an Deadline Extension Contract.

Current Events: Students will be required to provide a current events presentation (approx 5-10 min) on a monthly basis. Regular access to a variety of media (televison, newspapers, journals, Internet, etc) is essential.

Field Trips: Parents/Guardians and students will be asked to play an integral role in planning and executing. Trips, when scheduled, are not compulsory but are considered to be an essential experiential educational tool. Parents/ Guardians will be required to notify the teacher should a student be unable to attend.

Absences: Students are responsible for obtaining any missing notes, work, and/or assignments from the teacher. Re-writes for missed tests must be scheduled by the student promptly upon their return.

Assistance/Tutoring - additional assistance is available to every student. Speak with Mr. Forester for a convenient appointment.

Key Dates and Assignments - In an effort to keep students and parents/guardians informed a schedule of key dates, major projects, tests/exams, and events will posted on my website by mid September.

Students will be assessed on an ongoing basis using a variety of different strategies including pencil and paper (essay, quizzes, tests, exams), personal communication (conferences, interviews), oral (questions and answers, classroom presentations, participation) and reflective (self assessment, response journal). The following chart provides a very good overview of how your child will be both assessed and evaluated.

Knowledge and Understanding (20%)

tests, quizzes, presentations

Thinking/Inquiry (15%)

presentations, group work, projects, tests,

debates, mock trials, portfolio

Communication (15%)

formal writing, response writing, tests, oral presentations, projects, group discussion, debates, mock trials, portfolio

Application (20 %)

formal writing, oral presentations, projects, tests,

creative writing, portfolio, mock trials

Culminating Activity 15%

Exam 15%

The Culminating Activity will be a Mock Trial.

This form is to be discussed at home and returned to the instructor by September 8, 2006.

Parent/Guardian Questions, Comments, Concerns (Please use back of this page if required)