Old Childhood & the Law
Childhood and the Law |
E-mail: pryan2@uwo.ca CSI Program Advisor: Jessica Sommers
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Winter 2021
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide a foundation for the study of childhood and the law. By examining specific cases, statutes, treaties, and practices, students will have an opportunity to increase their understanding of the most relevant doctrines, principles, and debates about childhood in Canadian legal and political culture.
READINGS: all readings are provided free of charge through the course schedule.
13 appellate court opinions excerpted to between 25-50 pages (typically French/English pages, so only half the reading)
Approximately 22-26 additional documents, scholarly articles, and news reports to contextualize the case reports.
MARKING SYSTEM:
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Moot Court Preparation |
10% (weekly) |
| Moot Court Participation |
20% (weekly) |
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Case Brief 1 (3 pages) |
23% (Feb. 7) |
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Case Brief 2 (3 pages) |
23% (Mar. 21) |
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Final Exam |
24% (TBA) |
COURSE POLICIES:
Asynchronic Recorded Lectures: In light of the fact that almost all students are staying away from campus, the lecture components will be recorded and made available online. This will provide time for mooting cases in groups of 15-18 on Zoom, and for the lectures to be viewed before hand to help you prepare for your weekly speaking role.
Synchronic Mooting on Zoom: We will dedicate our 'live' classtime to mooting exercises. A moot introduces students to legal concepts, doctrines, dillemas through role play. The typical 'moot' is roleplaying among students of a fabricated appeal asking a court to overturn a lower court's action or interpretation of law. Our moots will differ by assigning you a role each week for working through a leading case in Canadian law.
By preparing each week (viewing the lecture, reading the documents, submitting your brief to OWL), will prepare you to play your role in the moot. The quality of your performance and your willingness to be seen or heard will constitute another 20% of your mark. These weekly events will also prepare you to write the two papers and to sit the final exam.
Minimum Attendance Requirement: Students must attend, and be heard and seen, a minimum of 6 of 11 sessions; failure to do so will result in a 10% penalty in the course. The attendance requirement includes the expectation that students will schedule all appointments and other responsibilities to avoid conflicts with the course. If health issues demand a prolonged absence, or if you require other academic accommodation, you must meet with the course instructor and provide documentation to the Dean's Office.
The Case Briefs and Case Analysis: These papers will constitute 46% of your mark. I hope to avoid assigning penalties for late papers. They may be avoided if extensions are requested in advance. Otherwise, a two-mark deduction will be taken for each of the first three days late, and a 5-mark deduction for each day thereafter. Two-weeks after the due date or at the conclusion of the term (which ever is first) a zero will be assigned for the paper.