On November 10 2001, fifteen year old Dawn Marie Wesley of Abbotsford, B.C,  committed suicide. She had been the target of bullying at school and was afraid for her safety. Two of her schoolmates were charged after her death with uttering threats and criminal harassment. They had threatened to beat her up and one had told her "You're dead". Defense counsel for the girls argued that the Criminal Code provisions against uttering threats were not meant to cover schoolyard taunts, but the Crown Prosecutor said the words were intentional and were intended to instill fear and intimidate Dawn.

You are a reporter covering this landmark criminal trial. To heighten public awareness of an alternative form of justice and its effectiveness, the editor of a prominent newspaper, has requested you to participate in a number of activities that explore the facets of this issue. As a part of a special feature, you have been asked to submit an editorial taking a stand on the form of justice you feel should be applied to this case.  

In a column entitled, "As I See It" you will express your views and opinions based on the information you have processed during this project. You will need to support your views with sounds reasons and sum it up with your recommendations.

STUDENT WORK 

Take a look at the student work resulting from the "Beyond Wild Justice" project.

STUDENTS FROM ARGENTINA 

INVITE YOU TO RESPOND TO A QUOTE.