- Feature
A different kind of law school for different type of students
by Megan Rellahan
"A unique blend of methodology, Street Law uses techniques that promote cooperative learning, critical thinking, and the ability to participate in a democratic society," a statement on the national organization's website said. This informative and inspiring program grew from a loose-leaf binder of lessons into a textbook titled "Street Law: A Course in Practical Law." Published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, the text has sold over a million copies and is used in school districts all across the United States. Born at Georgetown University in 1972, Street Law programs have been assimilated into the curriculum at roughly seventy law schools where law students teach practical law to the community. Whether their work is for credit or is part of a pro bono program, students who participate in Street Law bring a sense of hope to their communities by spreading knowledge; and as the old saying goes, "knowledge is power." By providing leadership training to young people, students are able to help the youth in their communities discover alternatives to violence. Street Law specializes in working with groups that have special needs such as teen parents, youth in juvenile justice, youth in foster care, and youth in homeless/runaway youth programs. It offers them solutions to problems by transforming them into "educational experiences."
"With Street Law, you are giving kids knowledge of their civil rights and how police are supposed to behave," said Georgetown University 3L student, Courtney Donovan. "Knowing the law is very powerful. It gives students the tools they need to make changes." Participants in the Street Law program at the Ralph R. Papitto School of Law at Roger Williams University are dedicated to teaching public school students that the law is something that shapes every aspect of their lives. "The law is something alive and well," said John Mattson, Founder/Coordinator of Rhode Island Youth for Justice. "Teenagers need to understand that, as a citizen, you need to know what your responsibilities are." In order to effectively relay its message to younger generations, Street Law members brings up topics that youth can relate to, such as searching school lockers for weapons or drugs, wearing gang colors, the privacy of email correspondence, and the use of offensive language in school, according to projo.com. By partnering law students with cooperative teachers, Street Law programs are able to deliver interactive instruction consistent with the organization's philosophy; and students are able to receive training that includes classroom management, curricular content, and school policies. Furthermore, law students learn how to keep classroom behavior under control and receive feedback and suggestions for improvement. At a community prep school in Providence, RI, eighth-graders discussed whether a student who had been suspended for having a tattoo on her hand was ethical. Leading the discussion was Roger Williams law student, Tricia Quest. Split into small groups, the students were instructed to defend their assigned stance. Taken from an actual case, Quest explained how the high school administration had accused the girl of wearing gang-related paraphernalia; and as a result, she took the administration to court for violating her First Amendment Rights. "Did the school have the right to single her out?" asked Quest. The majority of students said the school did not because they had no proof that the girl was in a gang. In fact, evidence provided by Quest showed that she was an honor student. "Tattoos and wearing baggy clothes don't make someone a gangsta," said one of Quest's students. When Quest informed the classroom that the judge ruled in favor of the girl, stating that the school administration violated her rights, the students were astounded. "I never thought about the First Amendment before," said thirteen-year-old Keyla Rodriguez. "Now I know my rights." "By supporting Street Law programs, law schools empower people to transform democratic ideals into citizen action, support legal literacy, and foster positive youth development," a statement on Street Law's website said. "By participating in Street Law, law students increase legal knowledge and lawyering skills, develop new perspectives, and enrich their law school experience." |
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