Listen
Law-related education is an effective way of engaging youth to become more productive citizens. The street law program enhances high school students' understanding of law. Ellen Marrus, with The University of Houston Law Center, is a leader in this field and explains the benefits.
"The broader purpose of the street law class is to expose high school students to the law and the legal system," Professor Marrus said. "It is also designed to get high school students thinking about a college education and the possibility of pursuing a legal career. They learn why it is important as a society for us to have laws and how to go about changing laws that might be unjust."
"They also learn about the trial process and serve as prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses and jurors," Marrus continued. "Through this process, street law instills in them the value of public service and civic engagement, giving them a better understanding of the legal and legislative processes and helping them be more engaged citizens."
For more stories from Briefcase, click here.
