What is a justice system?
Follow this Process:
Watch the video What Is Justice? explaining the philosophy behind a non-corrupt justice system. Then watch Democracy - A short introduction which explains the New Zealand justice system: a democracy.
Create a mind map in groups of three that outlines what would happen if suddenly New Zealand had no democracy. What would happen if people could do anything they wanted without consequences enforced by a democracy? How would we have access to free public services if there was no government to fund them?
Brainstorm points explaining why society needs a form of justice system to operate smoothly and to keep crime to a minimum; promoting peace throughout communities. Choose three main reasons you feel are the most important.
Summarise your ideas using a presentation (video, poster, powerpoint, webpage, etc.) about the three chosen reasons that New Zealand needs a democratic justice system to operate efficiently.
Present Each member of the group will present one of the chosen key points.
Take action and decide how will you use your understanding of our justice system to your advantage?
Capture and Share: these outcomes using photo and/or video to inspire others.
Educator Notes
To provide further challenge:
Require groups to extend their presentation and provide statistics, case studies and personal profiles about members of the New Zealand government who are fundamental to the justice system.
To simplify:
Groups are exempt from choosing specific reasons supporting why justice systems are critical to keeping peace. They can instead present a general overview about what a democracy is and how it is linked to justice.