The mission of the ABA Division for Public Education is to promote public understanding of law and its role in society.

Belief Statements

RECOGNIZING THE CENTRALITY OF AN INFORMED AND COMMITTED CITIZENRY, THE ABA DIVISION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION AFFIRMS THE VALUE OF LAW IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY. THE FOLLOWING BELIEFS SET FORTH THE UNDERLYING RATIONALES THAT GUIDE THE DIVISION’S WORK AND PRIORITIES.

1. Law provides an essential context for understanding key societal institutions.

2. A democratic society seeks to resolve conflicts peacefully and to achieve justice through the legal process.

3. Informed civic participation requires an understanding of the role of law.

4. An understanding of law promotes confidence in and access to the legal system for all people.

5. Programs that educate the public about law should promote understanding and counteract misleading and inaccurate ideas and images.

Goals

THE SIX GOALS THAT FOLLOW CONSTITUTE THE PRIORITIES OF THE ABA STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION AND GUIDE THE PROGRAMS AND PRACTICES OF THE DIVISION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION.

1. To promote the highest-quality education about law in schools (kindergarten through adult classes) and in community settings.

2. To stimulate public awareness of, and dialogue about, law and its role in society.

3. To mobilize the resources of the ABA to promote public understanding of law and the legal profession.

4. To establish mechanisms that encourage and recognize individuals and institutions for advancing public understanding of law.

5. To include diverse peoples, organizations, and perspectives in the planning and implementation of programs and in the audiences our programs serve.

6. To form partnerships to develop and implement public education programs about law.