Law magnets: attracting students to law-related education.

• Author: Higgins, Connie
• Position: Florida

In Sarasota, students are examining how Supreme Court justices make decisions--by participating in a simulated oral argument. In Pinellas Park, students are investigating crime scenes and analyzing evidence. In Jacksonville, high school law magnet students are using case studies to apply the law to their everyday lives. In Tampa, students are resolving school-based disputes through peer mediation programs. These scenarios exemplify the broad range of law-related education experiences offered in Florida high school classrooms.

Schools have multiple options for implementing law-related education into their curriculum. However, several common features distinguish law-related education programs. These include: 1) a focus on law, the legal system, and the fundamental values on which this system is based; 2) use of interactive strategies to engage students in the learning process and develop the skills necessary to utilize and apply their knowledge; and 3) use of attorneys and judges extensively in the classroom and field trips to supplement the curriculum with real world experiences.

Law-related education combines substance with interactive, proven strategies to teach children the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be active, productive citizens knowledgeable about our law and legal process and dedicated to preserving democracy and improving the administration of justice. While teaching children about the rule of law and the institutions and processes central to a democratic society seem fundamental, the teaching of law-related education is a relatively new phenomenon.(1)

The Law Magnet Movement

The evolution of Florida's law-related education movement has seen unprecedented developments. In 1994, The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc., received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to identify and provide services to schools with a special curriculum focus in law.(2) A network of law magnet schools and academies has developed throughout the state. These schools offer a wide range of programs for students with law-related interests. Courses such as law studies, comprehensive law studies, legal systems and concepts, criminal justice assisting, court procedures, court internships, public affairs, and numerous other courses are offered.

Many of these schools infuse law into other traditional subject areas as well, such as math, language arts, and science. Additionally, beautiful courtrooms or even forensic labs may be found on these campuses.

The term "magnet" grew out of the desegregation movement.(3) These programs were designed to "attract" students to specific schools. A wide range of law-related acadamies also exist, such as criminal justice, public service, or law and order. Students interested in a wide range of law-related careers such as paralegals, lawyers, law enforcement officers, and court reporters will be exposed to innovative law-related experiences. However, even students with no interest in law-related careers are attracted to these schools because of the innovative curriculum and practical life skills application.

These special law-related home-based schools require the active involvement of Florida's legal and judicial communities. Teachers may not have adequate content knowledge for these law-related courses. Lawyers and judges can serve as resource persons in and out of the classroom.

Profiles

Law-related theme-based schools generally provide a multifaceted approach to attract a wide range of students. Tracks may include law studies, criminal justice assisting, and legal assisting classes. Profiles of several schools follow to demonstrate the variety of programs offered throughout Florida.

* Palm Beach Lakes Community High School

The Center for Pre-Law and Law Related Careers at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School offers a unique law magnet program in Palm Beach County. Students are recruited from public and private middle schools throughout the county. Selection is based on an admissions process that includes a 2.5 cumulative grade point average, scores in quartiles 3 or 4 on the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills, an essay expressing a desire and/or motivation to enter the law field, and teacher recommendations.

The law magnet curriculum includes civic education and business systems and technology in the ninth grade, with comprehensive law, debate, and leadership skills offered in the 10th grade. Upperclassmen have access to Business Law I and II, logic and ethics, and a co-op legal internship, all dual enrollment courses held on the high school campus. Students participate in mock trial activities, civics and debate competitions, and county council activities. Actual court trials are held in the campus courtroom, a true Palm Beach County Courthouse annex, and students take field trips to the county courthouse, the county jail, and to other law magnet programs in south Florida.

Law-related education makes learning exciting and relevant through interactive and innovative...