In 1972, Georgetown law students started Street Law to teach legal topics to DC youth. It has since expanded globally to empower people through education about law, democracy, and human rights. Street Law, Inc. - a nonprofit located near DC - leads these efforts worldwide with programs taught by volunteers in schools, communities, and to at-risk groups. Their practical lessons and curricula aim to help people understand the law and improve their lives.

1. History
In 1972, a group of Georgetown
law students recognized an unmet
need in the young people of
Washington, DC.
They developed Street Law to help
them understand how the law
impacts their everyday lives.

2. Expansion
Since its founding in 1972, the
Street Law program has evolved
into a global movement to
empower people to use education
about law, democracy, and
human rights to improve their
lives and communities.

3. Street Law, Inc.
Street Law, Inc.—a nonprofit
organization located just
outside of Washington, DC—
leads Street Law activities
around the world.
Mission: Street Law, Inc. creates
classroom and community
programs that teach people about
law, democracy, and human rights
worldwide. Our engaging, practical
lessons help people develop the
skills they need to improve their
lives and strengthen their
communities

4. Program Models
Street Law programs and
curricula around the world
have three common elements:
Practical: provide practical legal
information that people can use
in their daily lives
Participatory: use educational
methods that involve students
directly in their own learning
Partnerships: volunteers from
the legal system team with
educators to teach lessons

5. Audiences
Street Law, Inc.’s programs
and curricula are for people
who want to teach others
about law:
• Lawyers
• Law students
• Teachers
• Law enforcement officers
• Juvenile justice professionals
• Community-based
organizations

6. Curricula
Street Law curricula provide
practical, relevant content about
law, democracy, and human rights.
• The Street Law textbook is used in
high school law classes in every state
in the U.S.
• Street Law, Inc. has developed more
than 80 texts―many of which were
used in other countries.
• Street Law, Inc. offers hundreds of
web-based lessons for teaching about
everything from housing law to
Supreme Court cases to intellectual
property law.

7. Programs for Lawyers
Several Street Law, Inc. programs are
powered by teams of volunteers from law
firms and corporate legal departments.
These initiatives are a great opportunity
for law school program alums to
participate in programs throughout their
legal careers.

8. Breakfast with a Legend
Teams of volunteer attorneys and
“Legends” (local leaders from law-
related professions) visit
elementary or middle school
classrooms to teach students about
rules, laws, and the importance of
community involvement.

9. Legal Diversity Pipeline
Teams of volunteers partner with
diverse high schools. Through
classroom visits and a field
trip, volunteers teach lessons and
lead activities designed to increase
students’ knowledge and interest in
the law and legal careers.

10. Youth in Transition
Volunteer teams partner with
transitional living facilities or
other service providers for youths
transitioning into adulthood
(e.g., young people aging out of
the foster care system, LGBTQ
youths, homeless youths) to
teach lessons on the legal life
skills.

11. Connect with Street Law, Inc.
• www.streetlaw.org
• www.facebook.com/StreetLawInc
• @StreetLawInc