Topical Talk

Justice in El Salvador?

After decades of gang violence, the government in El Salvador has taken extreme measures to improve public safety.

Collage of pages from the “Justice in El Salvador?” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 08 May 2026

About this lesson

Under a state of emergency, normal legal protections have been suspended for suspected gang members. More than 90,000 young men have been locked up. Most have not yet had a trial. In April 2026 the government said even children as young as 12 might get life sentences. The murder rate has fallen to its lowest level in history.

Should justice focus on the rights of the individual – or the safety of society as a whole?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Understand the history of gang violence in El Salvador and the use of emergency measures
  • Consider whether justice should prioritise individual rights or public safety
  • Explore different perspectives on new laws affecting prisoners

Skills and knowledge

  • Listening

    Step 12: Comparing views
    I compare different points of view
    Did you compare your own views with others when you discussed the definition of justice?

    Step 13: Analysing views
    I explore why different views might come about
    Did you explore different views when you discussed the news story?

    Step 14: Investigating bias
    I analyse where bias is shown
    Did you consider any bias when you listened to the arguments for and against the news story?

  • Knowledge

    I know El Salvador is using strict laws to reduce gang-related crime and that justice can mean either individual rights or the safety of society.

    What is an example of justice?

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