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

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the importance of including legal education in the secondary school curriculum of Bangladesh to increase legal awareness and reduce crime among young people. The study is based on the well-known legal principle ―Ignorantia juris non excusat‖, which means ―ignorance of the law is no excuse.‖ This highlights the need for students to know their legal rights and duties from an early age. In Bangladesh, legal education is only available at the university level, which leaves most secondary-level students unaware of basic laws and rights. As the future citizens of the country, it is important that students understand the legal system, their constitutional rights, and how to deal with legal issues in daily life. This study explores how introducing legal education at the school level can help develop responsible, law-abiding, and aware citizens. To conduct this research, data were collected from three secondary schools in Dhaka through questionnaires and interviews with students, teachers, guardians, and legal experts. The results show that nearly 80% of students have very little understanding of the law. Most of them only recognize major crimes like murder or theft but cannot clearly define legal terms or know where to seek legal help. The majority of teachers and guardians support the idea of including law education in schools. In particular, 73% of guardians, 90% of teachers, and 100% of legal experts agreed that law should be part of the secondary school curriculum. The research also found that students are interested in learning practical knowledge that can help them in real life. If they are taught about legal matters early, it could prevent them from getting involved in illegal activities and also help them to stand up against injustice. Overall, this thesis shows that adding legal education at the secondary level can create a generation that is more aware, responsible, and better prepared to contribute to the country's legal and civic development.