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Street Law began in 1972 as a one-semester experimental course in two District of Columbia public high schools. Taught by law students from Georgetown University Law Center, Street Law expanded to become a credit-bearing elective in all D.C. public schools.
This course is designed to give students a basic knowledge of law that could be of practical use to them in everyday life. The course contains information and competency-building activities designed to provide students with the ability to analyze, evaluate, and in some situations, resolve legal disputes. Student involvement is emphasized through the use of problems, case studies, role-plays, mock trials, moot court simulations, research, and a variety of other activities.
Course Objectives:
- To provide a practical understanding of law and the legal system that will be of use to students in their everyday lives.
- To improve understanding of the fundamental principles and values underlying our Constitution, laws, and legal system.
- To promote awareness of current issues and controversies relating to law and the legal system.
- To encourage effective and informed citizen participation in our legal system.
- To bring about a greater sense of justice, tolerance, and fairness.
- To develop a willingness and an ability to resolve disputes through informal and where necessary, formal mechanisms.
- To improve basic skills, including critical thinking and reasoning, communication, observation, and problem solving.
- To improve understanding of the roles that law, lawyers, law enforcement officers, and the legal system play in our society.
- To provide exposure to the many vocational opportunities which exist within the legal system.
Teacher: Mike Burk
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