Law 401 -- 1 Credit Hour

What is Street Law?

Street Law is an initiative in which law students go in teams of two to local schools, both middle and high schools, and teach students some of the basics of law. Subjects range from search and seizure to principles of democracy, from landlord-tenant to mock trials.

A unique blend of content and methodology, Street Law uses interactive techniques that promote cooperative learning, critical thinking, and the ability to participate in a democratic society. The Creighton model focuses on community-based topics of timely and particular interest to the students' communities.

What is the format of the Street Law class?

In addition to the in-class teaching commitment, which is once a week for eight weeks, students are responsible for lesson planning -- adapting the Street Law curriculum to their particular classrooms. To prepare, students participate in orientation and training during the first two weeks of the semester, and attend four seminar discussions over the course of the semester.

At the end of the experience, students gather their lesson plans into a portfolio and submit short reflection papers. Enrollment is limited, and students seeking to enroll are required to submit a short (no more than one page, double-spaced) statement explaining the reasons for their interest.

How do law students benefit from Street Law?

Law students develop their organizational skills, while gaining a greater knowledge of substantive law by teaching the basics to students. While presenting in front of the students, law students develop and strengthen oral presentation skills, and the exoerience helps them to learn to respond on their feet.

While law students and lawyers can forget how to break down areas of the law and speak in a layperson's language, this class serves as a reminder of the importance of being able to communicate with clients and provides an opportunity for practicing this skill.

This is also an opportunity for law students to serve the public and the community while in law school. As one student said, "Teaching law to high school students in North Omaha was by far the most satisfying experience of my law school career.... I was able to reach the community in ways that many law students are not able to experience."

How do we know what to teach?

In class, students learn how to create lesson plans, and there are opportunities to discuss ideas with other students before stepping out into the real world to work with students in high school classes. We use several sources to help guide us to create lessons that are substantive, yet suitable, for the students we teach.

The Street Law textbook (pictured) covers the following: Introduction into the Law and Legal System; Criminal Law and Juvenile Justice; Torts; Consumer and Housing Law; Family Law; and Individual Rights and Liberties.

What is typically included in a lesson plan?

• Title -- What is the lesson about?
• Goal -- What do you want the students to take from the lesson?
• Objective -- Why do we want the students to learn this information?
• Materials Needed -- With the limited time and supplies at the school, it is always better to plan in advance.
• Time -- We always want to make sure that we respect the time allotted to the lesson, and, at the same time, have enough material to last the entire session.
• Action Steps -- This will take us step-by-step through the lesson.
• Vocabulary Bank -- This helps students to define the new terms.

Participating Schools: 

• Benson High School
• Blackburn Alternative High School
• Bryan High School
• Central High School
• Jesuit Academy (4-8)
• Northwest High School
• Sacred Heart School (K-8)

What is Law Shadow Day?

Law Shadow Day provides high school students with information about different careers in the law and the steps to take to become an attorney. The program is hosted by volunteer law firms, and is sponsored by the Nebraska State Bar Association's Minority Justice Committee.

Learn more about the NSBA's Law Shadow Day here. The Nebraska Legal Diversity group also hosts a Law Shadow Day, and details are available here. Read a recent newsletter here.

Resources and Links:

Learn more about the National Street Law Initiative, including materials for law schools and students, here. Learn about another innovative Street Law partnership with the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) here.

Additional Questions:

For additional questions about Creighton's Street Law Program, please contact Prof. Palma Strand at (402) 280-3592 or palmastrand@creighton.edu.