Research strengthens the case for targeted, timely Public Legal Education and Information
Law for Life worked with researchers Pascoe Pleasence, Nigel Balmer and Catrina Denvir to analyse data from the Civil and Social Justice Panel Survey 2010 and 2012, focusing on the implications of the data for Public Legal Education and Information. Law for Life defines Public Legal Education as education that ‘equips people with the knowledge, skills and the confidence needed to successfully resolve legal problems encountered in day to day life’. The study established that public understanding of the law is low, that legal problems are prevalent and that law related problems are more difficult to resolve than people expect.
Key Findings and their implications for Public Legal Education and Information:
- Public Legal Education and Information can play an important role in diagnosing the causes of social problems and improve the appropriateness of referrals to services.
- The provision of timely Public Legal Education and Information is a vital tool in early intervention, and can prevent problems from escalating and recurring.
- Public Legal Education and Information should be embedded in lifelong learning and vocational training.
- Educating people to improve their capability to deal with legal problems has both individual and broader societal benefits, and may improve participation in public and economic life.
Legal Needs, Capability and Public Legal Education
