Welcome
Welcome to the website for The Centre for Education, Law and Society (CELS). Our purpose is to provide information and inspiration for educators, researchers and any others with an interest in, and hopefully a passion for, legal literacy and law related education.
On this site you will find recently developed (and free) teaching and learning resources on a wide range of topics that relate to our concept of legal literacy. These include such topics as Aboriginal land claims, cyberbullying, immigration law and environmental sustainability.
We also provide links to organizations working in law related education and legal literacy. Many have resources well worth reviewing.
CELS is involved in various research endeavors in law related education and legal literacy. You can find out about these as you explore the site.
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What is “Legal Literacy”?
Legal literacy is understanding and caring about the rule of law. It focuses on the concept of the just society, the attributes of such a society, and what we must do to build and protect justice in our communities, nation and planet.
Promotes understanding of the role law plays in society and in our lives, including notions of rights, responsibilities, justice and equality.
Develops critically aware and socially responsible citizens who can participate effectively in a legally regulated world and to effect positive change in our communities.
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NEWS
Media Awareness Network has developed a series of lessons, in English and in French, to give students a better understanding of the ethical and legal implications of cyberbullying and to promote positive Internet use. Intended to support and enhance school-based anti-bullying and empathy-building programs, “Cyberbullying: Encouraging ethical online behaviour” is available here.
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Chantal Faucher, post-doctoral fellow with The Centre for Education, Law and Society, spoke about cyberbullying with several media outlets this week. Media attention has been especially concentrated on the issue this week, which is national Bullying Awareness Week. The Premier also unveiled a new website to fight bullying which includes resources for youth, parents, and teachers. Chantal’s comments were heard on CBC (On the Coast and Radio West), CKNW (The Simi Sara Show), News 1130, RED FM, and Radio-Canada.
http://www.cknw.com/news/vancouver/story
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Media Matters Citations: Wanda Cassidy
October 2012: Bullying, cyberbullying and the Amanda Todd tragedy
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Cyberbullying SCOC decision
Wanda Cassidy, Director of CELS, appeared on CBC Radio Almanac Show with host Mark Forsythe on September 27, 2012. She discussed the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision to allow a Nova Scotia teen to remain anonymous in a court battle she has launched against a cyberbully. This decision protects the identity of vulnerable teens that are victims of cyberbullying and many encourage other such victims to come forward. Dr. Cassidy also discussed her research on cyberbullying in British Columbia schools.


