NCJ Number
60849
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1979) Pages: 67-70
Date Published
1979
Length
4 pages
Annotation
CLASSES OFFERED BY THE NATIONAL STREET LAW INSTITUTE (NSLI) IN WASHINGTON, D.C., TO FAMILIARIZE INMATES AND NONPROFESSIONALS WITH THE LEGAL FIELD ARE REPORTED.
Abstract
A MAJOR ELEMENT OF THE NSLI PROGRAM INVOLVES WORK IN PRISONS, AND INSTITUTE STAFF MEMBERS OFFER COURSES FOR BOTH INMATES AND PRISON OFFICIALS. THE PROGRAM IS BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF STREET LAW, E.G., PROVIDING CITIZENS WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT CLAUSES IN THEIR LEASES MEAN. INSTITUTE STAFF MEMBERS INCLUDE EIGHT FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS, SEVEN OF WHOM ARE ALSO ATTORNEYS. THE TASK OF STAFF MEMBERS IS TO INVOLVE NONPROFESSIONALS IN OPEN DISCUSSION ABOUT HOW THE LEGAL SYSTEM WORKS IN PRACTICE AND HOW IT SHOULD WORK IN THEORY. VARIOUS TECHNIQUES ARE EMPLOYED IN DISCUSSIONS TO INITIATE LIVELY INTERCHANGE AND DEBATE ABOUT KEY ISSUES. ONE SAMPLE EXERCISE DEALS WITH THE QUESTION OF WHAT CONSTITUTES CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT. THE OVERALL CORRECTIONS COURSE IS BUILT AROUND 41 SUCH EXERCISES. MOST NSLI COURSES FOR INMATES ARE DIRECTED SOLELY AT INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS. TYPICALLY, INMATE COURSES ARE TAUGHT BY TWO-PERSON TEAMS OF LAW SCHOOL STUDENTS. COURSES ARE INTENDED TO GIVE INMATES ASSISTANCE IN DEALING WITH TROUBLESOME SITUATIONS THEIR FAMILIES ENCOUNTER ON THE OUTSIDE AND THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO FACE AFTER RELEASE AND TO HELP IMPROVE INMATE VIEWS OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM. AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE CIVIL LITIGATION PROCESS IS INCLUDED. (DEP)