Justice In Our Times

Justice information, news and resources for British Columbians.

Featured Lecture Video

  • Central American Crime: Justice In Our Times
    Central American Crime: Justice In Our Times

    On January 27, the Society gathered a panel of speakers with differing perspectives of the international impact of Central American crime.

    Topics included the evolution of gangs in El Salvador, the legal and social impact of Central American crime in BC, and the Society's work to strengthen the region's justice systems.

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  • Gang Wars: Justice In Our Times
    Gang Wars: Justice In Our Times

    Gang Wars: Justice in Our Times featured four panelists discussing how our justice system and communities can better respond to BC's gang problem.

    Watch the event, which covered numerous topics including legislation changes, witness protection, publication bans and early intervention.


    presentation videos

  • Aboriginal Justice In Our Times
    Aboriginal Justice In Our Times

    On March 3rd, a panel of notable speakers presented thought-provoking ideas and opinions on legal issues facing the Aboriginal community.


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  • Pioneering in the Fight against Human Trafficking
    Video Example

    In November 2008, Patsy Sorensen, founder and director of the Belgian non-governmental organization Payoke, delivered a presentation titled "Pioneering in the Fight Against Human Trafficking" to a crowded room at SFU Harbour Centre.

    presentation videos

March 2009 Newsletter

Upcoming Events

It’s TimeIt's Time
It’s Time: African Women Join Hands Against Domestic Violence has been nominated as the Best Canadian Short Canadian Documentary at the Okanagan International Film Festival. The winner will be announced on April 16. It’s Time has previously been nominated as the Best Short Documentary at the 2009 Los Angeles Pan African Film & Arts Festival.

There will be a lunchtime screening of It’s Time in Victoria on April 29 at the Victoria Women’s Transition House Community Office (#100-3060 Cedar Hill Rd.). Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Carolyn Fast.

Law Week
Law Week 2009 takes place from April 16-26 with exciting events planned across the province.

The theme of Law Week 2009 is Access to Justice: Public Confidence in the Justice System. Law Day events in British Columbia will be held in Cowichan Valley (April 23), Fort St John (multiple days), Kamloops (April 16), Kelowna (April 18), Maple Ridge, Nanaimo (April 25), New Westminster (April 22), Prince George, Terrace (April 16), Tri-Cities (April 23), Vancouver (April 25) and Victoria (April 18).

This year’s events include Dial-A-Lawyer, mock trials, essay and public speaking contests for students, free law classes, citizenship ceremonies, courthouse tours, as well as a fun run and free public forum in Vancouver.

Past Events

Aboriginal Justice in Our TimesAboriginal Justice in Our Times
An audience filled the Chief Simon Baker Room at the Vancouver Aboriginal FriendshipCentre to watch passionate speeches and engaging discussions at Aboriginal Justice in Our Times.

The speaking event featured four prominent members of BC’s Aboriginal community and is now available online in video format at www.JusticeInOurTimes.ca.

Teachers’ Law Institutes
Over 160 teachers throughout BC attended Teachers’ Law Institutes. Each of the Institutes featured 3-4 captivating and engaging law-related discussions led by experts in their fields. Teachers gained knowledge on many different topics, including forensic science, crime scene investigation, coroner’s court and restorative justice. Here are two testimonials from participants:

Vancouver Teachers' Law InstituteJust a quick THANK YOU for a truly exciting day! It was one of the best pro-d workshops I’ve attended!

Please let everyone involved in the organization and presentations know what a great job they did. I found the day enlightening, interesting, and useful. The take home package will be most useful.

High Conflict Forum
The LCES organized a high conflict families forum in Nanaimo on March 17. The day featured a presentation on an evaluation tool being piloted in Ontario that has the potential to be used to assess different levels of conflict within families. Another presentation focused on a similar tool being used by BC family justice counsellors to “zero in” on a client’s greatest need. Afterward participants discussed how organizations can better collaborate to provide support services to high conflict families.

Project News

Judicial and Lawyer Independence
Judicial Independence & Lawyer Independence, Understanding the Rule of Law is in the piloting stage. We welcome any teachers who would like to pilot this one-hour lesson (video vignettes on DVD plus Teacher’s Guide) to contact Patricia Byrne. A presentation of “Judicial Independence” will be made by the LCES and our Law Society project partner at a meeting of the Law Society Benchers on Friday, April 3.

Legal Journeys
Legal Journeys is now available for purchase ($30). The curriculum has been developed to provide teachers with the background information necessary to teach the basics of our legal system and expose students to the concepts and principles that underlie it. Contact us (604-660-9870) to order Legal Journeys.

What Every Renter Needs to Know!
Shooting has been completed for this video, which will focus on renters’ rights. The project is now about a month from completion. Contact MaryLou Leung (604-660-9870) for more information.

Aboriginal Parenting After Separation Toolkit
The Toolkit has been completed and will be available for purchase soon. The kit includes a number of informational handouts on topics commonly encountered by separating Aboriginal parents. Toolkit users – such as service organizations for family problems, Aboriginal justice organizations, schools and health departments – will be able to quickly reference and distribute the handouts. A website is also being developed to host the materials. Contact MaryLou Leung (604-660-9870) for more information.