Over the past decade in the Czech Republic, hundreds of new laws have been passed that affect every aspect of society. Yet since the general public is often unfamiliar with these laws and the ways in which they impact their lives, the Czech Republic faces a dilemma familiar to many countries: how to demystify its legal system and involve citizens in its functioning.

Partners-Czech is helping to explain and humanize the laws through its Street Law program, in collaboration with the Czech Open Society Fund. The program trains law students, police officers, and elementary and secondary school students in using the legal system as a problem-solving tool. Utilizing interactive methods such as mock trials and role-playing, Partners-Czech educates participants about issues such as freedom of speech, the relationship between law and morals, alternative dispute resolution, family law, housing rights, and drug and crime prevention.

Participants in the training go on to implement these hands-on techniques in their own classrooms and community programs. For example, clinics in the Charles, Pilsen and Brno law schools are training law students in the Street Law curriculum, and a citizenship course has been developed for pedagogical students in universities.

Partners-Czech also conducts teacher trainings. Hundreds of teachers have participated in the program, and Partners-Czech distributes the text Law for Everyday, as well as a teaching manual, to all of them. A summer camp for secondary school students will focus on Street Law, and plans are being developed to extend the program to prisons.

Over 80 police officers have been trained, and regularly visit schools to conduct Street Law presentations. In fact, although some teachers feared that students would not be interested in learning about the legal system, students have been very enthusiastic, telling the officers the presentation has changed their way of thinking about the legal system. According to one trainer, “The police attending the training were sophisticated and engaged. They were clearly committed to teaching students about the law and improving their relationship with young people." Not only is the program educating students about the law, it is also creating a more friendly and interactive relationship between students and the police.

Partners-Czech helps participants understand that the legal system is a real and tangible tool that can be used as a problem-solving mechanism to ensure the smooth functioning of society. By imparting this belief to students, teachers, police, and community members, who then further disseminate this understanding, Street Law is helping to increase citizen participation and strengthen the rule of law in the Czech Republic.

Additional Resources
Letter from the Office of Crime Prevention on Partners-Czech's StreetLaw Program