The student had been arrested for burglary, possession of crack cocaine, and receiving stolen property and had done jail time. But six years after he first walked into Rice's class, he strolled back in one day and, with a baby in tow, shocked her again. The former troubled felon had earned a college degree in criminal justice and was headed to law school. The Street Law program, created in 1972 at Georgetown University's Law Center, now is taught in schools in every state. The Washington, D.C.-based Street Law organization works to help youths understand the law and provide a forum for positive interaction between young people and the police.
Students have a chance to participate in mock trials.
Police officers, judges, and lawyers visit classes and often work closely with students throughout the semester. In some Street Law classes, students in law school serve as team-teachers. One of the unusual features of the Street Law class is that it integrates students from all levels of achievement. Students planning to go to law school sit next to and interact with students who have had brushes with the law themselves. The course has academic rigor and, at the same time, serves as a youth development program that has been shown to reduce juvenile delinquency, says Lee Arbetman, director of U.S. programs for Street Law.