NCJ Number
99712
Date Published
1985
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This discussion of law-related education examines the need for it, its goals, and the results that have corroborated its success.
Abstract
Law studies are need because law pervades every citizen's life, current civics instruction is not producing law-abiding citizens, and many students feel anxious and alienated about the law. Law-related education benefits students by giving them basic information about the law, helping them to understand their rights and responsibilities and to develop their moral and ethical reasoning abilities. As a result of a 1977 congressional endorsement of law-related education, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in 1978-79 commissioned five national organizations to develop and coordinate a national law-related education program. This program has provided both curriculum materials and teacher training. Law-related education must encompass both elementary and secondary schooling. A national evaluation begun in 1979 found that these programs produce specific benefits in terms of student attitudes and behaviors and offer a way to reduce juvenile delinquency. One footnote is included.