Law Related Education
The Stockard Consulting Law Related Education Seminar
The job of a police officer can be difficult and even dangerous. Dealing daily with potential criminals and even the general public is often unpredictable. Today, police officers need 21st century skills that go beyond the curriculum of basic police academies.
One such skill is an in-depth understanding of the legal system. Police professionals regularly encounter legal issues in their work, and they can greatly benefit from legal knowledge gained through law classes.
Now Stockard Consulting is giving officers the opportunity to proactively learn these skills through its Law Related Education Seminar.
The Benefits of Law Related Education
Law related education is designed to provide people who are not lawyers with knowledge and skills regarding the law, the legal process, and the legal system. It involves learning about the rights and responsibilities of citizens and how laws protect our freedoms.
Law related education provides unique insights and powerful learning experiences for officers on the job. The classes include hands-on exercises in criminal procedure and evidence law that give officers a better understanding of the concepts they see in action on the streets. Officers also learn more about the rights and responsibilities of the legal process, which helps when they testify or present evidence in court.
Being able to rely on the instincts they cultivate on the streets as well as the knowledge they gain from their legal education gives officers an increased advantage as they work to protect and serve.
Highlights of Our Program
The Law Related Education Seminar for police is a four to five-day course. It covers policing skills, legal foundations, legal theories, laws and procedures, and trial processes. It also includes hands-on activities such as mock court and writing exercises.
The course is designed to give officers the ability to train others in the community in Law Related Education (LRE).
The following is an outline of the program’s daily activities:
Day One – 8 hours
Important skills for police officers:
Problem Solving – A police officer’s job is to problem solve to prevent crime. Police forces abide by several models of problem solving, such as community-oriented problem solving, problem-oriented policing, and the SARA model (Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment).
Ability to Follow Orders – Police often have to perform tasks they do not enjoy. It is important for officers to be able to complete their given assignments and maintain a level-headed demeanor, even if they are frightened or bored by their given orders
Capacity to Learn – Officers always need to strengthen their skills and learn new ones. They write reports, engage with civilians, arrest criminals, patrol neighborhoods, and carry out a multitude of other responsibilities.
Capacity for Compassion and Respect – Police officers are often the last person civilians want to see. Whether they are giving a speeding ticket or arresting a criminal, it is crucial for officers to be firm, but also to show humanity and compassion for all civilians.
Effective Communication Skills – Police work involves a variety of different communication skills. Their reports require effective written communication skills, and officers must also have strong communication skills when dealing with co-workers, courts, criminals, and civilians.
Legal Foundations – the US Constitution and State Constitutions
- Federalism vs. states’ rights
- Fundamental rights
- Individual rights
- Statutes
- Judicial interpretations – judicial activism, judicial restraint, judicial deterrence
Legal Theories – Judges, lawyers and citizens view the law through one or more theoretical lenses. The six major lenses are as follows:
- Formalism – Use of precedence, the way law is taught in law school
- Realism – Influence of politics and other social issues on the law
- Natural Law – Law is based in some outside force, such as God, nature, or spirit
- Rational Choice – Laws are based on the cost/benefit model
- Marxism – Laws reflect the conflict between the classes. Laws are in place to protect the interest of the ruling class. Race and ethnicity play a minor role
- Critical Legal Scholarship – feminism, race theory, queer theory
Writing Exercise – Speluncean Explorers: This hypothetical exercise illustrates the application of the major theories by judges. It emphasizes the importance of training the public about the law using hypotheticals.
Mock Trial – Understand what a mock trial is and how to use it as a learning tool
Day 2 – 8 hours
- Different types of Law
- Civil Procedure
- Civil Substantive
- Torts
- Contracts
- Property: Real, Personal, and Intellectual
- Corporation or Business Law
- Taxation
- Criminal Procedure
- Criminal Substantive
- Crime to the person
- Property Crimes
- Public Order Crimes
- Constitutional Law
- Civil Rights
- Pretrial
- Trial Process
- Conducting a Mock Trial – Students conduct a simulation trial in order to understand the rules and processes involved in an actual lower court trial.
Day 3 – 8 hours
- Appellate court – Hears the appeals of lower court judgments
- Moot court – Similar to a mock trial, but simulates an appellate court hearing
- Writing exercise – Development of a legal memo
Day 4 – 8 hours
- Moot court – Participants will conduct arguments and have members of the legal community act as judges. This includes lawyers, police officers, and consultants.
- Writing assignment – Participants will develop a strategy to teach one or more of the concepts learned in the class.
Day 5 – 8 hours
- Extralegal solutions
- Mediation – Participants can receive 8 hours of mediation training and earn a certificate.
- Arbitration – a form of dispute resolution that takes place outside of the courts using an independent, officially appointed arbitrator
- Introduction to Restorative Justice – a criminal justice system designed to rehabilitate offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community; Participants can earn a certificate.
Law Related Education for Citizens
The Stockard Consulting Law Related Education Seminar is also available for citizens who are not police officers. The course outline is similar to that of the police class if an individual wants to participate in the full course. However, citizens can choose to do a two-day or one-day, pared down version of the course. Citizens are also eligible for certification in mediation and/or restorative justice.
The benefits of law related education for citizens are numerous. Citizens can learn about the law, the legal process, and fundamental principles of democracy. They gain an understanding of our complex legal system and an informed ability to contribute to society.
Law related education for citizens is designed to demystify the law and provide a more balanced view. It aids in the development of critical thinking, increases positive interactions between citizens and the legal community, and teaches people rights and responsibilities under the law.
Research has shown that civic knowledge has definite positive effects on citizens’ behavior. The knowledge gained from law related education can help citizens understand their individual and group interests, public issues, and political events. This knowledge also decreases alienation from public life and promotes democracy and political participation.
Contact us to learn more about the benefits of law related education and how you can participate.