Do you believe law should be taught in public schools?

Question

Ignorance of the law is no excuse, they say. Yet so few of our students know much about law except what they see on tv. I'm submitting a proposal to the local schools in my area asking that they consider teaching law starting in the fifth grade.
Do you think lawyers will feel threatened by this endeavor?

I'm talking about all kinds of law.

Answer 1

i am a teacher...yes b/c the laws applies everywhere---even in school

Answer 2

No, basic law is more or less common sense. Most of the "law" you think should be taught is probably petty crime and such, which I was always told by my parents and teachers not to commit. School already has policy to counsel students after first offense.

Kids are smart nowadays and the problem lies not with the "ignorance of law!" Many offenders know the law but break the law on purpose. Do you really think you can get away with spray painting the school bus? They do it because they are angry and they have issues. They came to school with an attitude that it is wasting their time. So teaching law is not the true solution. Some of these kids just need guidance and discipline.

No, lawyers won't be threaten by this endeavor. You have no idea what law school is like unless you've been through it. But lawyers are worried about people who know half the law. Those are the dangerous people, just like it is in the computer world. They think they can prove their own case and not consult a professional until it is too late, then blame it on the legal system. Same with computer user. They know enough how to operate a computer and think they can now bypass the IT manager to install their favorite chat program until the whole PC falls apart. They should have sought assistance from the professional to begin with!

Another example is the infamous McDonald's coffee case. People have strong opinion about it, but 9 out if 10 people I talk to have never read the court opinion or the pleadings. They have incorrect or incomplete facts but yet act like they are the best person to adjudicate. Sigh!

Answer 3

With the budget cuts public schools have to face year after year it's been hard to teach them the regular curriculum. Most children's parents both have to work full time to support their family which leaves some students without homework help and/or school work help. The teachers are doing a damn fine job with what resources they are provided with. Also general laws and recourse is taught at schools but to get into detailed laws would cause more strain on those who teach. This would also infringe on the teachings at Harvard and any other law related college. your idea is well natured but impractical on so many levels. Now if you were to request that students be able to get extra credit for taking an after school program which taught law, also include a mandate that requires students that have been difficult for a lack of better words to take this program and pass it to obtain a diploma. That would be a route you should pursue. Good luck I wish you the best.

Answer 4

No a bad idea.
It seems most students today know little more about the law than to be able to ask " what are my rights" and " Can I sue" or " what kind of an attorney do I need."

They don't have a clue.

Answer 5

No. Students might not know "law" or even "the laws" but they should know right from wrong. And if they don't you can blame Mom and Pop for that. I think a course in manners and a course respecting others would be very beneficial.

Answer 6

Civics and Government used to be part of a high school requirement for graduation. But with all the budget cuts, it too has fallen by the way. Just like Home Ec, Woodshop, and sometimes Choir, Art, Health ....

Answer 7

Basic laws are commonsense, everyone knows you dont steal, rape, beat or murder and so forth. Violations like for automobiles are typically covered in the drivers manual and in drivers ed etc etc etc.

Answer 8

I think they should be taught by the parents. The parents have failed their children miserably.