NCJ Number
51368
Journal
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS Volume: 60 Issue: 397 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1976) Pages: 15-19
Date Published
1976
Length
5 pages
Annotation
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ARE URGED TO INTRODUCE COURSES DESIGNED TO TEACH STUDENTS HOW TO LIVE EFFECTIVELY AND SUCCESSFULLY WITHIN THE LEGAL SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE SUPREME COURT RULING REQUIRING DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES PRIOR TO SUSPENDING STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL, TOGETHER WITH OTHER RULINGS ASSERTING AND SUPPORTING STUDENTS' RIGHTS, RESTRICT THE ABILITY OF PRINCIPALS TO ENFORCE DISCIPLINE. AT THE SAME TIME, PARENTS GENERALLY WANT THE SCHOOLS TO BE MORE STRICT AND TO EXERCISE GREATER CONTROL OVER WHAT STUDENTS CAN AND CANNOT DO. ONE APPROACH TO THIS DILEMMA IS THE INTRODUCTION OF LAW INSTRUCTION. LAW-RELATED EDUCATION PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH THE SKILLS THEY NEED TO USE DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES TO IMPROVE SOCIETY. THE STUDENTS STUDY BASIC CONCEPTS OF LAW, SUCH AS AUTHORITY, JUSTICE, RESPONSIBILITY, DUE PROCESS, AND PROPERTY, AND DISCUSS THE LAW WITH THEIR PARENTS AND WITH OTHER ADULTS. STUDENTS ARE TAUGHT THAT THE LAW IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONFUSION, FRUSTRATION, OR VIOLENCE IN RESPONDING TO CONFLICT. CLASSES ARE CONDUCTED BY TRAINED TEACHERS ASSISTED BY ATTORNEYS. LAW EDUCATION DIFFERS FROM CIVICS COURSES IN THAT, INSTEAD OF READING ABOUT GOOD CITIZENSHIP, STUDENTS LIVE THE LAW, ENGAGING IN MOCK TRIALS AND ROLE-PLAY EXERCISES, DISCUSSING LEGAL ISSUES WITH ATTORNEYS AND JUDGES, AND OBSERVING THE COMMUNITY'S LEGAL MACHINERY. MUCH OF THE CURRICULUM IS BUILT AROUND ACTUAL COURT CASES. AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE PROGRAM IS INTENSIVE INSERVICE EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS. SCHOOLS OR PARENTS INTERESTED IN IMPLEMENTING LAW INSTRUCTION CAN BEGIN BY CONTACTING THE LOCAL OR STATE BAR ASSOCIATION. LAW-RELATED EDUCATION HAS MANY POTENTIAL BENEFITS, INCLUDING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF DISCIPLINE AND THE RIGHTS OF STUDENTS, THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS, AND GREATER SOCIAL STABILITY. (LKM)