ONTARIO JUSTICE EDUCATION NETWORK

Ontario has a unique blend of cultures, belief systems and histories and each person has basic rights, freedoms and responsibilities. Our justice system works to protect these rights and freedoms. It is a cornerstone of our democracy. Public understanding of the principles and the workings of our justice system is therefore essential in a democratic society. The justice system must be impartial, independent and accessible. To ensure rights and freedoms are respected, we all need to understand the principles and values of our justice system, how it functions, and the roles people such as judges, lawyers, Crown attorneys, witnesses, juries, police, and others play within it. Educational programs and dialogue between justice sector representatives and members of the wider community provide opportunities to strengthen this understanding. Many thousands of students and others participate in OJEN’s justice education programs each year.