Forty-nine students from the Law, Society and Justice Profile traveled to Ottawa on March 21st to attend a hearing at the Supreme Court of Canada, and to observe Question Period in the House of Commons. Both activities were of significant pedagogical value. In both cases, students had a direct experience of the functioning of important governmental institutions.

At the Supreme Court of Canada, students observed a hearing, where arguments were presented by a variety of interveners, primarily lawyers, and had these arguments challenged by the Supreme Court Judges. We were fortunate to be present during a session where the topic of discussion was of great relevance, as the case in question was about voting rights, and numerous arguments were presented about lowering the voting age and similar restrictions.

Likewise at Question Period, students viewed animated discussions about a number of serious political issues facing the country. They learned to identify different participants and officers of Parliament, and witnessed the give and take that is essential to democracy.