A Model for Learning and Teaching — Rights and Responsibilities in the New Legal Order

ABSTRACT

This article discusses the Street Law/Democracy For All programme operated from the School of Law at the University of the Witwatersrand and the role such programmes can play in shaping the legal and social culture of South Africa. Specifically, the essay is concerned with the inter-relationship between the law and education. The article explores how the Street Law/Democracy For All programme introduces mutually reinforcing themes of democracy to students in the form of subjects, as well as, in the process of their learning experiences. It also examines how holistic programmes such as Street Law/Democracy For All can have an impact on the social values of law students, and ultimately the society at large. The article concludes that Street Law/Democracy For All serves as an excellent model for advancing democratic values in education and in society, and deserves the support of the entire legal community. This support must have a foundation in starting with the law schools, which are in a unique position to influence the people and institutions that will shape the development of institutional aspects of democracy in years to come.