Mock hearings

Mock hearings use a collaborative, interactive, dialogue-based approach to bring the law to life for youth participants. Youth take on roles of lawyers, witnesses, accused and court staff to enact a simulated legal hearing. Volunteer lawyer and/or law student coaches help prepare them for their roles and share tips on how to build their case. Participants learn about courtroom procedure and the roles of various legal professionals while they develop critical thinking and advocacy skills.

Program goals:

• Build knowledge and awareness of how the legal system operates;
• Develop and practice legal life skills like critical thinking, oral and written advocacy;
• Address misconceptions about the law and the justice system through dialogue and positive interactions with justice sector professionals.

The program culminates with a mock hearing before a real judge, justice of the peace or senior counsel.

OJEN’s mock hearing packages cover a wide range of legal topics including  criminal law, family law, landlord and tenant board hearings, bail hearings, and more.

If you are interested in offering a mock hearing program to your community please contact programs@ojen.ca or fill out the online request form.

*Please note that this program is only offered in person.*