National launch of Scottish Schools Law Project

Official launch of a project to help school age children understand that laws bring responsibilities as well as rights

The Journal, April 2003, page 7

More than 100 law firms and 20,000 school pupils around the country are already involved in the Scottish Schools Law Project, an initiative which helps 10-15 year-olds understand that laws bring responsibilities as well as rights.

The project provides schools with free classroom packs, engraved Achievement Medals and a Family Quiz which youngsters complete with adults at home. Some law firms are also visiting schools for ‘Question & Answer’ sessions. The overall aim is introduce pupils to the legal system and teach them that respect for the law is vital in a modern, democratic country.

The project was officially launched by David Preston, President of the Law Society of Scotland, when lawyers, teachers and pupils from across the country travelled to the Society’s Edinburgh office.

David Preston said: “The attraction of this initiative lies in its simplicity. Pupils will benefit by learning about the importance of the law in their everyday lives – from newspaper rounds where there are minimum ages and wages, through to the copyright implications of copying their friends’ CDs.

“This initiative is an excellent way of raising awareness, getting the right information to pupils of all ages and highlighting the responsibilities which go with rights. The Society is delighted to support the project and it is encouraging that so many firms have quickly recognised the initiative’s benefits to them, the schools and their local communities.”

Project Director Patrick Gaffney added: “Lawyers seem very keen to increase the understanding of young people. Their goodwill lies at the heart of this initiative and we are delighted they are so willing to offer their support. It means we can involve both primary and secondary schools in every part of Scotland, and work with both the state and independent sectors.”

Aberdein Considine & Co is a strong supporter having nominated a number of schools in the North East of Scotland. Harvey Aberdein commented, “This is a very worthwhile scheme. We are delighted it seems to be working so well in schools.”

The reaction from teachers is equally positive. Doug Mackenzie, Principal Teacher of Modern Studies at Boroughmuir High School, said: “The project is very teacher-friendly. Youngsters not only seem to learn a lot but also really enjoy working on the class materials.” Morag Renton of Port Elphinstone Primary School in Inverurie agrees. “Pupils have very much enjoyed taking part. In the course of their work they came up with many questions about the law and therefore a solicitor from our partner firm visited the class to help provide the answers.”

Building on its early success, the project aims to involve more schools with the organisers setting a target of gaining nominations for 50% of the schools in Scotland.

The next phase of the project will also introduce new classroom materials which focus on the crimes young people commonly drift into such as shop-lifting, vandalism and breach of copyright. Patrick Gaffney said: “Many youngsters commit these crimes because they view them as largely ‘victimless’. We want them to realise that all crimes have victims. This in turn may help persuade them not to get involved.”

Further information is available from Patrick Gaffney, Director, The Schools Project

T: 01620 894928 E: patrick@theschoolsproject.co.uk