Law-Related Education
LRE is...
the
education of students for citizenship in a constitutional democracy
the practical
application of law to daily living
intended to develop students' understanding of the
values and principles on which the legal system is based
the development of
students' knowledge base concerning the law
the development of students' critical
thinking and participation skills
the development of positive attitudes among students
about the law, our system of justice, and responsible citizenship
the prevention
of delinquency
law-related education!
LRE is not... a way to entice students to the practice of law
(although raising their awareness of it may help some students make career
choices relating to the law)
Sources of law, functions of law, legal processes, legal roles, and
legal principles (i.e., justice, equality, authority, freedom, order) are
essential elements of the social studies curriculum. Thus, LRE is a necessary
component of a sound social studies curriculum.
LRE clearly increases students' knowledge of government, the judicial
system, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a constitutional
democracy.
LRE enables students to apply their understanding of the legal system to
practical situations they encounter in their daily lives.
Law-related education can enhance students' critical thinking skills.
These are skills that demand the careful analysis of statements and positions;
these are questioning strategies that students must develop in order to
participate responsibly and effectively in our democratic society.
LRE helps students develop an objective, constructive, and questioning
attitude towards the information they receive concerning public and private
issues. Because students actively participate in LRE, they learn to examine
issues, communicate ideas clearly and succinctly, conduct discussions, and
value the viewpoints of others. They learn to make individual and group
decisions and to evaluate those decisions in the light of other important
social and political values and interests.
The variety of interactive methods of instruction (i.e., small group
work, mock trials, simulations,
case studies) involve
students positively in the learning process. Heightened interest and positive
attitudes of students in LRE programs may transfer to other courses in the
social studies.
A study conducted by the Social Science Education Consortium and the
Center for Action Research indicated that LRE programs, when properly
conducted, can reduce tendencies toward delinquent behavior and improve a range
of attitudes related to responsible citizenship. The research indicated that
successful students in LRE programs are less likely to associate with
delinquent peers, to use violence as a means of resolving conflict, and to
refrain from reporting criminal behavior to authorities.
LRE programs are most effective where outside resource persons are
adequately prepared, the selection and presentation of illustrative case
materials is balanced, and interactive teaching strategies are utilized.
Links to Law-Related Education Sites
Information Resources
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