Education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities. A basic understanding of the English legal system and its impact on people equips us with the tools we need to be informed and engaged citizens who can navigate the complexities of the modern society.
It’s highly concerning how little is known by the public about their legal rights and how this disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society. Research shows that that around two-thirds of people do not know their legal rights and nearly 70% have no knowledge of basic legal processes. This lack of legal literacy and legal capability impacts heavily on the youngest (18-24 year-olds).
The recent ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office is perhaps a case in point. The drama is based on the true story of one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British legal history where hundreds of subpostmasters and mistresses were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting thanks to a defective IT system. Whilst it is impossible to speculate, I am left wondering whether the plight of some of those wrongly accused might have been different if they had been more given more education about legal rights and processes at school, they might have felt more empowered to seek guidance.
I believe we need to do more in our schools so our young people better understand the law and their legal rights and responsibilities.
The teaching of law in schools is largely rooted in the citizenship requirements set out in the National Curriculum. So young people should be taught about, amongst other things, the legal system in the UK, the nature/sources of laws, how the law helps people to deal with complex problems, their rights and responsibilities and how they apply to their lives, the justice system and the operation of courts.
For some schools, these requirements might feel a heavy burden. I am sure that schools do their level best to accommodate them into their groaning planning schedules, but as we begin a new term, I thought I would share my list of top ten benefits of bringing law to the fore in your school:
1 Knowledge of the legal system is crucial for informed and active citizenship.
2 Awareness of legal principles empowers individuals to assert their rights and seek protection under the law.
3 Understanding and respect of the concept of the rule of law is essential for a stable and just society.
4 Knowledge of the legal system can open up various career paths.
5 Learning about legal concepts encourages critical thinking and analytical skills.
6 Young people are genuinely interested in the law and what is right and wrong, or unfair in the world around them.
7 Young people who are knowledgeable about the legal system are better equipped to advocate for social justice issues.
8 Understanding legal processes helps individuals navigate conflicts effectively.
9 Knowing the legal framework around consumer rights and protections is important for making informed choices as consumers.
10 A strong understanding of the legal system and the rule of law promotes democratic participation.
In my next article, I will share my top ten lesson ideas for teaching law in schools.