To demystify the law, encourage citizenship and develop court/community partnerships through community outreach and training programs for adult and juvenile Kentuckians.
Law-related education teaches citizens about the law, the legal process and the fundamental principles of our constitutional democracy. It gives individuals an understanding of our complex legal system and the ability to contribute to society as thoughtful, well-informed citizens. The goals of law-related education are to:
• Demystify the law and legal proceedings.
• Provide a balanced view of the law.
• Develop critical-thinking abilities.
• Prevent delinquent behavior.
• Increase interaction with members of the legal community.
• Teach youth their rights and responsibilities under the law.
Kentucky laid the foundation for a strong LRE program when the Court of Justice began its Law Related Education Initiative in 1990. The Administrative Office of the Courts formed the Division of Law Related Education under the Department of Juvenile Services. The division provides training programs on the court system to juvenile justice practitioners, law enforcement officials, educators, court personnel and attorneys statewide.
Participants in LRE programs benefit from relevant course materials, presentations by court system experts, field experiences such as courtroom tours and mock trials, and opportunities to take part in civic and community projects.
We the People ... The Citizen and the Constitution
Grades 4-12
This nationally acclaimed civic education program focuses on the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The program is offered through the Center for Civic Education in California and funded by the U.S. Department of Education by act of Congress. The program includes a simulated congressional hearing and a national competition for high school classes. The Citizen and the Constitution correlates to the core content for social studies assessment required by the Kentucky Education Reform Act.
We the People ... Project Citizen
Grades 5-8
The Center for Civic Education in California developed Project Citizen to promote responsible participation in state and local governments among middle school students. Students work together on a class project to identify a public policy issue and create an action plan for implementing a solution. The final product is a portfolio displaying the policy, which can be entered into the Kentucky State Competition. All classes are encouraged to present the portfolios to their school and community. Schools and communities are also encouraged to adopt student-generated action plans whenever possible. Project Citizen correlates to the core content for social studies assessment required by the Kentucky Education Reform Act.
Foundations of Democracy
Grades K-12
Foundations of Democracy is an interdisciplinary curriculum developed by the Center for Civic Education. It is based on concepts fundamental to understanding constitutional democracy — authority, privacy, justice and responsibility.
Truancy Diversion Program
Grades K-12
Through a collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Education, the Court of Justice is providing the Truancy Diversion Program to help students overcome problems with truancy and educational neglect. Once a problem has been identified regarding unexcused absences and tardiness, students and their families can participate in the Truancy Diversion Program. The program uses a team approach to bring together judges, social workers, teachers, parents and students to address truancy in a positive environment that praises individual milestones, while ensuring accountability and academic achievements.
Kentucky Mock Trial Program
Grades 9-12
The Kentucky Court of Justice hosts the annual Kentucky High School Mock Trial Tournament. More than 10,500 students, 1,200 judges and 1,000 attorneys have participated in the program since it began in 1983. In the mock trial tournament, high school students prepare a case under the supervision of teachers and attorney coaches. They portray the roles of attorneys, jurors, plaintiffs, defendants and witnesses before a real judge, usually in a courtroom setting. The state champion advances to the national competition.
Kentucky Teen Court Program
Grades 9-12
Teen Court allows first-time juvenile offenders to participate in a less formal court process administered by their peers. The only adult involved in Teen Court is the judge. Trained students, ages 13 to 17, serve as attorneys, jurors, bailiffs and clerks. Those who qualify are first-time misdemeanor offenders and juveniles charged with Class D felonies, ages 10 to 17, who have pled guilty or been found guilty by a judge. Misdemeanor offenders who successfully complete their sentences avoid a formal court record and often return as Teen Court participants. Today 27 Teen Court programs serve 33 counties.
Community Works
Grades 7-12
Developed by the National Crime Prevention Council and Street Law Inc., Community Works is an adaptation of the Teens, Crime and the Community curriculum first published in 1985. Community Works combines crime prevention and law related education to promote youth engaging in meaningful service to their communities. The three essential components — education, resource individuals and action/service learning projects — help young people focus on their own leadership roles in their school and community, develop self-esteem and citizenship skills, and hone communication and problem-solving skills.
Violence in the Schools: Developing Prevention Plans
Drugs in the Schools: Preventing Substance Abuse
Grades 6-9
These interdisciplinary programs are part of the Exercises in Participation Series developed by the Center for Civic Education for upper elementary and middle school students. In each program students examine an important current problem and present their action plan to an audience of students and adults.
Bobby and the Court Designated Worker
Grades 3-6
Bobby and the Court Designated Worker is an interactive classroom presentation on Kentucky juvenile law that focuses on preventing shoplifting. A coloring book is available at no cost for elementary grades. The Division of Law Related Education at the Administrative Office of the Courts created the program.
Under 18: Under the Law
Grades 6-12
Developed by the Division of Law Related Education, Under 18: Under the Law is an interactive video that focuses on the landmark juvenile justice case of Gerald Gault and the Kentucky Unified Juvenile Code. Under 18: Under the Law airs annually on Kentucky Educational Television.
Street Law: A Course in Practical Law
Grades 9-12
Widely used in all 50 states, this landmark volume was developed by Street Law Inc. and is the basis for similar courses around the world. The text covers criminal, tort, consumer, family and housing law as well as individual rights. The student edition features case studies, role-playing, photos and a “Where You Live” feature. The appendix provides the complete U.S. Constitution, state-by-state laws and information on law-related careers.
School Violence Prevention Demonstration Program
Grades K-12
The School Violence Prevention Demonstration Program incorporates the following curricula as basal study materials: 1) We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution which teaches fundamental values of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, 2) We the People... Project Citizen, a program that promotes participation in state and local government, and 3) Foundations of Democracy, a multi disciplinary curriculum that focuses on four concepts fundamental to an understanding of government--authority, privacy, responsibility and justice. These programs are aligned with Kentucky's core content for social studies.