Inclusion of Legal Education in the Secondary Education System: A Strategy to Reduce Crime in Bangladesh

Abstract

This research explores the inclusion of legal education in the secondary education system of Bangladesh as a preventive strategy to reduce crime by nurturing legally aware and socially responsible citizens. Adopting a mixed-method approach, data was collected through surveys from secondary school students in Dhaka and interviews with teachers and legal experts. The findings indicate a significant lack of awareness among students regarding basic legal rights, criminal consequences, and civic duties. Stakeholders showed strong support for introducing legal education, recognizing its potential to foster ethical values, critical thinking, and resistance to negative peer influence. Drawing inspiration from countries like the UK, Australia, and China, where legal education is embedded in school curricula, the study recommends integrating age appropriate legal content, teacher training, interactive workshops, and visual tools for effective implementation. Unlike approaches that focus solely on juvenile crime, this research emphasizes early legal empowerment as a long-term solution. It concludes that legal education at the secondary level is crucial not only for academic enrichment, but also for building a safer, law abiding society. Immediate policy intervention and collaboration between the education and legal sectors are essential for translating this vision into reality.