The TMSL STREET LAW Program is an educational, legal outreach program that trains current law students to teach law at schools throughout Houston-Harris County. The mission of the Program is to empower youth through interactive education about law, democracy, and human rights while furthering the professional development of law students. It is ECI’s hope that through accurate and current knowledge, juveniles will avoid becoming involved in situations that may lead to involvement in the criminal justice system.
Specifically, TMSL law students who participate in this program are provided with a curriculum on various aspects of criminal law. The law students participate in “train the trainer” classes with the ECI Associate Director. The law students then train high school students, on a weekly basis, through the use of interactive teaching strategies including mock trials, moot courts and simulated negotiations that allow students to hone their communication and analytical skills while gaining exposure to other professionals and the community. Law students learn from their juvenile students about how laws impact people and the “real life” strengths and weaknesses of the legal system. This insight sensitizes the law students to crucial public policy issues and concerns, which can encourage law students to pursue a career path aimed at combating social injustices.
To learn more about the Street Law Program or to establish a program in your school or for your community organization, contact Lucinda Daniels, Associate Director, at 713.313.1156 or by email at lrdaniels@tmslaw.tsu.edu.
