These 20 conversation questions about justice system are suitable for adult English learners at C1+ (advanced) level. They can also be used with B2 (upper-intermediate) students. The questions can be used in one-to-one lessons, pair or group discussions, or set as writing homework.
For more activities on this topic, see our complete Justice System ESL lesson plan.
- Have you ever been to court? If not, would you like to? What do you think happens there?
- How are criminal trials decided in your country? Do you think this is a fair way to decide?
- Do people in your country have confidence in the criminal justice system? Is justice always done? Can you think of any examples when it wasn't?
- What important trials have happened in your country recently (or are happening at the moment)?
- What kind of corruption can happen in the justice system? Is this a problem in your country?
- How much political influence or interference is there in the justice system of your country? Can a justice system ever be considered democratic if it is influenced by politics?
- What are some of the problems with witness evidence?
- If you had witnessed a crime, would you feel comfortable giving evidence in court? Would you consider it your duty as a citizen?
- If a person is found not guilty in court, does that mean they are innocent? Why or why not?
- Would you trust ordinary people with no legal training to serve on a jury and decide whether someone is guilty? Why or why not? What are the main pros and cons of jury trials?
- Are trials by jury necessary for a country to be considered democratic? Why or why not?
- What is your opinion of judges? Are they respected in your country?
- What is the role and responsibility of a lawyer in the justice system of a democratic society?
- Do you trust lawyers to tell the truth about their clients in court? Why or why not? If a lawyer thought that there was enough evidence to convict their client, should they always advise their client to plead guilty? Why or why not?
- Is it fair that the people with the most money can afford the best lawyers? If not, how could this be made fairer?
- If a lawyer is paid with money later discovered to have come from crime, should they have to return it? Could keeping it amount to money laundering?
- Do you agree with criminals agreeing plea bargains to reduce their sentences? Why or why not?
- Does proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt mean too many guilty people get away with their crimes? Should the burden of proof be lower?
- Is it possible to have a truly fair trial when so much information is available on the internet and from the media?
- Is justice really blind? What does this mean?
