Attacking Slavery through the Courts

History/ Grade 12/ Methods of Historical Inquiry and Communication

 

Lesson Plan: Anne Langton - Gentlewoman, Pioneer Settler and Artist

Overview

This lesson examines the use of the courts as another platform in the fight to abolish the practice of slavery in Upper Canada. In both Lower and Upper Canada, the courts ruled against slavery in several important decisions.

Several case decisions impacted enslaved people in Lower and Upper Canada, escaped slaves from the United States, as well the slave owners. This lesson revolves around the examination of five case studies, and requires students to use a number of skills, including interpretation, analysis, critical thinking, and communication.

Purpose

  • To allow students to examine legal concepts as they relate to the practice of slavery in Upper Canada and North America
  • To assist students in understanding the significance of the legal battle against the enslavement of Africans
  • To critically analyse 5 case studies - their legal, social, and philosophical issues and their impact .

 

Strand: History/ Grade 12/ Methods of Historical Inquiry and Communication

Author: Natasha Henry

 
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