An Introduction to Law Related Education
Law related education encompasses an engaging and interactive instructional program that transcends mere civic education. It is an instructional program which helps students better understand the legal system and become more aware of their rights and responsibilities in the school, family, and community contexts. It complements formal civics, history, and other social studies programs by promoting respectful discussion of public issues and helping students gain a deeper understanding about the role of law in citizens’ everyday lives. Law related education is not merely law school lite. Rather, it is an innovative approach that integrates legal concepts into the curriculum by using pedagogically sound practices. It presents these concepts through an interdisciplinary approach and helps students learn higher-level thinking skills such as critical and analytical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making. Participatory simulations and mock trials , for example, engage students through active learning and participatory citizenship, and prepare them as they develop knowledge of the law and its role in our democratic society. In addition to its obvious civic benefit, law related education . . . PROMOT[ES] CIVIC AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AND VOTER EDUCATION IN A NONPARTISAN MANNER FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS; GEMPHASIZE[ES] THE RESPECT TO BE ACCORDED TO RULE OF LAW AND THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN CREATING AND ENFORCING THAT LAW; SUPPORTS AND IMPROVES INSTRUCTION IN HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT TO HELP STUDENTS BETTER RECOGNIZE THE INTERCONNECTION OF ALL THEIR SCHOOL SUBJECTS; PROVIDES SPACES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEBATE AND DISCUSS PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES OF INTEREST; TEACHES EMPLOYABLE SKILLS SUCH AS CRITICAL ANALYSIS, LOGICAL REASONING AND WRITING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP; IMPROVE[ES] ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE FOR SOME STUDENTS; AND ENCOURAGE[ES] TOLERANCE AND RESPECTFUL DISCOURSE.

Advantages of Law Related Education
The biggest fans of LRE programs benefit from the training and materials, including students, teachers, judges, and other legal professionals that participate in the programs. Parochial schools, charter schools, home-school programs, youth groups, and social service programs have discovered LRE as a powerful tool for creating engaged and responsible citizens. These programs boost academic achievement. Hands-on learning allows students to work more effectively in school. In addition to providing increased understanding of traditional academic subjects, LRE instills legal principles such as justice, fairness, and equality in our democratic society. Youth at risk are particularly empowered and motivated for academic success when they learn through the law. LRE enhances communication and critical thinking skills. There are many different ways students can be involved in law-related education. Participating in law-related activities, such as mock trials, can boost self-confidence and contribute to the overall development of youth who might otherwise struggle during their high school years. For educators, LRE is an ideal way to incorporate "real world" experiences into the classroom. LRE materials are easy to understand, relevant, and up to date. The nonpartisan resources also provide teachers with an opportunity to engage students in today’s most important social issues. Court personnel are also an easy sell on the benefits of LRE. The most successful LRE programs involve judges, lawyers, and other professionals who volunteer their time and talents to LRE programs. The private and nonprofit sectors also bring LRE to schools. Professional organizations, service clubs, and civic groups support LRE through grants and volunteer opportunities.
Law Related Education in the Academic Environment
Law related education can be introduced into primary, secondary and higher education. The introduction of law related education in Australia can be traced back to as early as 1976 as part of the social studies curriculum. The introduction of law related education gained momentum in 1993 when the Australian Council for Law Reporting invited submissions on law related subjects to be included in school curricula. In 1994, Law Foundation of South Australia made submissions with recommendations on the incorporation of law related education from kindergarten to year 12.
In 1995, curricula documents were prepared and forwarded to schools and education authorities. The purpose was to teach students the basic principles of our legal system and its operation by understanding some areas of the law, the court system and the administration of justice. The curricula covered a variety of topics including contracts, criminal law, torts, litigation, trial processes, civil liberties, values of the rule of law and the place of the judiciary.
The main objective of law related education is to develop knowledge of general legal principles and processes. A principal aim has been to promote legal literacy among young members of society by helping them acquire knowledge about our legal system and its institutions. The decision making processes and principles applied by the courts and the philosophical foundations of our legal system are also taught.
Primary school subjects have included civics and citizenship, the role of the family, the role of law in the context of the family, the concept of roles and relationships and the values and attributes of members of society. Secondary school subjects have included rights and obligations, the impact of questioning on values, norms and attitudes, the relationship of conflict and resolution and the rules of logical reasoning. Higher education subjects, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, have included constitutional law, torts, criminal law, interpretation, legal process, principles of private ordering and the rule of law.
Curriculum and Pedagogy
Law related education (LRE) is an interdisciplinary and law-light approach to teaching people about the law and legal system that can occur in a variety of settings, including formal and informal settings. In an LRE program, lawyers serve as educators or co-educators, sharing with students their knowledge and experience in order to deepen their understanding of a particular legal issue and how it impacts them and their community. While there is no prescribed curriculum for LRE programs, common areas of instruction include the judicial system and courts, public speaking (including debate and mock trial), civic education and responsibility, peer mediation and conflict resolution, law and ethics, legal careers and, increasingly, advocacy skills for the use of social media. LRE curriculum is often grounded in the understanding that students learn best through hands-on activities, problem solving, and group projects and discussion.
Vocational Avenues in Law Related Education
In addition to the options for a legal education, there are other careers that make use of a law degree despite not being held in a traditional practice. Most graduates begin work in law firms, but there are also opportunities in business, as many companies hire attorneys for compliance positions to ensure all company activity is in accordance with the law. Further, some law school graduates end up in law-related positions , such as in development, administration, or as paralegals.
A big advantage of a law school degree is that you are eligible for well-paying positions in both the private and public sector, including those that might require a business degree. While most jobs require a law degree, high-level jobs in business or administration may also be available to those without a J.D. who have a strong legal background.
Challenges and Remedial Approaches in Law Related Education
As with any field of study, there are challenges in law related education for both students and educators. For educators, some of these challenges can include the need for state and federal funding, obtaining a curriculum or materials that are current and relevant, and getting student engagement or attendance sufficient to hold a class. Students can be faced with challenges including the cost of the classes or workshops, attendance, availability of classes or weekends, and child care. A 2012 study conducted by Cornell University found, "Community colleges may be in the position to provide an inexpensive low-tech alternative to serve those without broadband access." The study suggested that law schools and other organizations partner with colleges to provide opportunities for community engagement, noting, "Private and non-profit groups in particular have the flexibility to engage in programs that provide value that is not immediately monetized but which make a significant difference in the face of social problems. Public interest organizations are thus not competitors with firms but rather are willing to cover some of the costs that would be borne by firms in order to serve clients of modest means." Presenters at the Summer Institute in Law and Language at Hofstra Law Scholl in New York discussed two more major barriers: Mandatory Reporting Laws and Confidentiality Concerns. In their talk, Blank, Callahan and Schaefer gave examples of the challenges reported to them since they began working on the program, including unresponsive schools, poor attendance and lack of communication among law-related education partners. "They’re overwhelmed with so many things, that sometimes this is the last thing on their list," Blank said in discussing the importance of law-related education. "They have to implement the new standards, and all of these new things that’s happened in the news… This, they think, is one of the last things we need to deal with." While some of the issues being faced in law-related education may seem overwhelming to those trying to find a solution, Lawrence needs to be remembered. The law is often seen as either irrelevant or unattainable to low-income people. By developing programs that serve to break these stereotypes, interest and participation can be generated, and a major barrier might be broken down. "Tonight [in my class] I was telling them why we’re here, the law-related education program and why it’s so important, and they were actually listening," Schaefer said. "I think they’re really interested in the topic; they come up with so many good questions." Her colleague Linda Callahan agreed. "I find that every time I teach a class like this that something that really resonates with me is how many times kids ask questions that show that they’re really engaged with the topics…and interested in learning," she said. The challenge of law-related education is not one that cannot be addressed, and the solutions are easily accessible to those willing to make the necessary effort.
Law Related Education Resources
Go beyond the content taught in a law related education course. Don’t let the past taint the future. Consider professional development for teachers and learning opportunities for students to take their knowledge of the legal system to the next level.
For Teachers:
The National Center for State Courts offers free online self-paced courses on law related education materials. Course titles include: Teaching Law and Democracy, Teaching Students about the Courts, The Three Branches of Government, The Bill of Rights, First Amendment Issues in Public Schools, Media and the Courts, Jury Issues, Advanced Jury Issues and The American Judicial System. The National Judicial College also offers some online training courses on teaching materials for both judges and teachers. The National Judicial College’s Web Juries, Law-Related Education for Teachers, Judicial Use of Technology in the Courtroom, and Family Issues from the Bench. These courses are also free for the user. Teachers can obtain access to several books and resources published by the Alliance for Justice. Additionally, the National Association of Women Judges has several lesson plans, teaching materials and videos. Gavel Academy is an interactive and fun way for educators to teach law related education principles to their students. Gavel Academy is hosted by the Michigan Supreme Court. It is a collaborative effort between the Supreme Court, Michigan Lawyers and judges to partner with teachers as they teach law related topics. The Michigan Center for Civic Education was designated by the Michigan Supreme Court to be the state sponsor of We the People. The Michigan Center for Civic Education coordinates and conducts the We the People and Project Citizen programs, as well as sets standards for participants, teachers, volunteers and judges. The Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society sponsors teacher workshops on law related topics throughout the year. These conferences also allow teachers to work with experienced lawyers , judges and mediators. Although these conferences are free for the teachers, attendees must apply to attend. The American Bar Association has a directory of Law Related Education websites organized by topic. Section topics include: criminal law, courts, family law, human rights, international law and women’s rights, among others. The Michigan Supreme Court is the sponsor of Classroom Law Project’s eight model courts held throughout the state. Student teams from 25 high schools, representing every region in the state, have participated over the years. The project is a powerful way for students to study the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. Classroom Law provides law-related education programs, and is the largest law-related education organization in the United States. It has developed Resources for Teachers, which include more than 300 lesson plans, most of which are free and may be downloaded and printed. Materials include Civil Rights Card – The First Amendment Activity Pack and Internet Connection Cards. Other available resources can be found under the Online Learning section.
For Students:
Several colleges and universities offer online programs in law related areas. For example, Central Texas College offers courses on criminal justice and law enforcement, Waldorf University offers a bachelor of arts in criminal justice, Southern New Hampshire University offers an online criminology criminal justice program, and Florida Southern College’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is a 120-credit hour, online degree completion program and receives national accreditation. There are law related education focused publications and courses designed specifically for students. The American Bar Association publishes The LawWorks! Series, which provides educational activities highlighting aspects of the legal system. This free course teaches students how the law affects them.