Developing Social Responsibility through Law-Related Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This report describes the development of social responsibility in schools through law-related education (LRE). LRE through which students become better informed and effective citizens provides an understanding of the law and its effects on daily life. The Office of Education (1978) defines LRE as those organized learning experiences that provide students and educators with opportunities to develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, attitudes, and appreciations necessary to respond effectively to the law and legal issues in the present complex and changing society. Social responsibility can be viewed as an essential part of citizenship education, an understanding of the basic democratic principles and values on which laws, government, and society are based. LRE was established to revitalize citizenship education. Three major aspects of LRE include: expanding students' substantive knowledge and critical thinking skills; improving teacher preparation; and achieving significant changes in students' attitudes. It is suggested that through the implementation of LRE programs, students' competencies, knowledge, skills, and attitudes can lead to the appropriate learning outcomes necessary for their development into socially responsible citizens in a multicultural, global society. (LL)