Access to legal education

for the inclusion of legal education in the regular school curriculum

Abstract

This paper addresses access to legal education, proposing the inclusion of legal education in the regular school curriculum. Knowledge of fundamental and basic rights is essential for citizens because it represents the path to citizenship and to raising awareness. Education, being a fundamental right, is linked to the principle of human dignity. Law is the means to achieve justice. Therefore, it is only fair that citizens learn basic notions about their rights and duties before the State and society in their own school, during regular education. Bringing basic legal education to regular school students is a way to guarantee justice, given the importance of the citizen in society. The text discusses education as a constitutional guarantee, defends the inclusion of legal education in the regular school curriculum, discusses the positive aspects of the proposal, and suggests some content that could be covered. The proposal to include basic legal concepts in the school curriculum is relevant, coherent, and appropriate, since legal instruction, even at a basic level, is essential for the exercise of citizenship and for guiding various practical actions, as law is part of every citizen's life. It would also contribute to the intellectual and humanistic growth of students, broadening their knowledge of rights and encouraging the fight for justice.