AUTHOR’S NAME – Simran Kumari, BBA LLB, Third Year.
INSTITUTION NAME – Laxmi Narain College of Technology (LNCT) University.
INTRODUCTION:
The nexus between education and lawful behavior is an intricate one, where the power of knowledge serves as a pivotal force in deterring criminality. Education does more than just transmit facts; it plays a critical role in helping individuals comprehend their legal obligations while simultaneously enhancing their awareness of laws and regulations. Education plays a fundamental role in shaping the moral fabric of society and ensuring that individuals understand and adhere to legal obligations. Through educational programs, individuals can gain a comprehensive awareness of the laws and regulations that govern their lives, which is crucial for preventing lawful behavior. The belief is that education teaches people a skill that they can get a job, and an income because of the job. If they feel that they can support themselves without committing the crime, then they will likely avoid committing a crime.[i] By injecting knowledge about legal frameworks and the consequences of legal transgressions, education serves as a proactive measure to reduce law-breaking. This blog aims to dissect the multifaceted ways in which education contributes to the creation of law-abiding citizens. We will explore how an educated populace is better equipped with critical thinking skills and moral reasoning, which are essential for evaluating the consequences of their actions.[ii]
· THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN UNDERSTANDING LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
Education plays a pivotal role in fostering an understanding of legal obligations and can be instrumental in preventing individuals from breaking laws. The probability of committing crimes like theft, threat, injury, vandalism, assault, etc.[iii] is more in the case of an uneducated person also the crime rate is generally higher in those areas where lower-educated people live.[iv] By integrating legal education into the broader educational curriculum, individuals can gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, their rights and responsibilities, and the consequences of unlawful behavior.
1. Awareness of Legal Consequences:
Education can increase awareness of the laws and the consequences of breaking them. An informed individual is more likely to understand the risks associated with criminal behavior and thus may be deterred from engaging in such activities.
2. Moral and Ethical Development:
Education often includes components of moral and ethical development, which can instill a sense of right and wrong in individuals. This moral compass can guide behavior and discourage actions that would be considered illegal or harmful to society.
3. Critical Thinking skills:
Education develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Individuals who can critically assess situations are less likely to resort to illegal means to solve problems or achieve goals.
4. Understanding Rights and Duties:
Education helps individuals understand their rights under the law, as well as their duties towards others and the state. This understanding is crucial for fostering a culture of respect for the rule of law.
5. Employment Opportunities:
A higher level of education is associated with better employment opportunities. Gainful employment can reduce the economic incentives to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or selling illegal substances. “Suppose a graduate person holding an M.B.A degree does any criminal act and spends 7 years of his life in imprisonment now he has not only spent these crucial years of his life but also missed those opportunities which he could have grabbed while working as a manager in any firm.”[v][vi]
6. Socialization:
Educational institutions are not just centers for academic learning; they also serve as environments for socialization can lead to the adoption of societal norms and values that are in live with lawful behavior.
7. Civic Engagement:
Education can encourage civic engagement and participation in democratic processes. Engaged citizens are more likely to respect the rule of law and work towards positive change through legal means.
8. Role of Educational Institutions:
Schools, Colleges, and Universities serve as the primary platforms for imparting legal knowledge and fostering an environment where the law is respected and upheld.
9. Preventive Role of Legal Education:
By understanding the legal implications of actions, educated individuals are more likely to refrain from conduct that could lead to legal entanglements.
10. Lifelong Learning:
Education in legal obligations is not confined to formal schooling but is a lifelong process that continues through media, workplace training, and communication involvement ensuring that individuals remain informed about legal standards.
Research has consistently shown that education can have a significant impact on reducing crime rates. In 2024, the crime rate in India stood at 445.9 per 100,000 people. Marking a notable decrease from 487.8 in 2020. Theft remains the most common crime, followed by robbery and assault.[vii] States with the highest crime rates include Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Bihar. Education can be used as a fundamental tool to prevent people from committing crimes like theft, robbery, and assault, which have become the most common crime in India. Education equips individuals with knowledge and skills that create alternative pathways to success.
· SHOULD LEGAL EDUCATION BECOME MANDATORY IN SCHOOLS?
Making legal education compulsory in schools could potentially contribute to a reduction in law-breaking activities. Law is a guiding principle to run the society, people, and country in an effective manner. In school, we learn science, math, and English because knowledge of these subjects helps us build our careers and also promotes overall growth. I feel that the law can serve the same purpose.[viii]
Compulsory legal education from classes 6 to 12 can significantly enhance individuals’ awareness of laws and their consequences. Law should be included in the curriculum as one of the main subjects from classes 6 to 12 so that it gives students exposure to society and enables them to deal with real-world problems.[ix]
Moreover, preventive law education serves as a proactive measure to deter juveniles from engaging in unlawful activities.
Incorporating legal studies into the school curriculum can foster a culture where the rule of law is valued and observed. Over time, this could lead to a more law-abiding society as generations of students carry forward the principles of legality into adulthood.
· LAWS IN INDIA REGARDING EDUCATION:
In India, Education laws encompass a variety of statutes and policies governing the education system. Here are some key provisions pertaining to education in India:
1. Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009:
The Right to Education in India is enshrined under Article 21A of the Constitution of India, which was introduced through the 86th Amendment Act in 2002. It states that the state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the state may, by law, determine.[x] To operationalize this constitutional mandate, the parliament of India enacted the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act in 2009.
2. National Education Policy (NEP), 2020:
This is a comprehensive framework outlining the vision of India’s new education system. The policy aims to overhaul the education structure, and create a more holistic, flexible, and student-centric approach from the primary to higher education level.
3. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA):
This is a government program aimed at the universalization of elementary education.[xi]
CONCLUSION:
After analyzing all the above-mentioned facts and circumstances we can say that education plays a crucial role in preventing people from breaking laws by ejecting an understanding of legal obligations and social norms. When individuals are educated, they are better equipped to comprehend the laws that govern their conduct, the consequences of illegal actions, and the importance of upholding legal and ethical standards. Incorporating legal education into school curricula as a mandatory subject can significantly contribute to building a law-abiding society.
With an early introduction to the legal system, young people can develop a strong foundation of legal awareness that informs their choices and behaviors throughout life. In India, laws such as the Right to Education Act emphasize the importance of providing every child with access to education, thereby indirectly supporting legal literacy and adherence to the law. By ensuring that education systems include legal education, societies can proactively reduce unlawful behavior and encourage a culture of respect for the rule of law.
[i] Quora, https://www.quora.com, (last visited Feb22,2024)
[ii] mbu, https://www.mbu.edu/blog/mbu-news/critical-thinking-skills/, (last visited Mar. 01, 2024).
[iii] Rehan, The Relationship Between Education And Crime, legalserviceindia, (Mar. 01, 2024, 9:29 PM), https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-10477-the-relationship-between-education-and-crime.html
[iv] Mohd. Rehan Ali, The Relationship Between Education and Crime, Legal Service India, (Feb 24,2024, 15:59 PM), https://www.legalserviceindia.com [hereinafter “Mohd.”]
[v] Rehan, Supra note iii
[vi] Mohd. Rehan Ali, The Relationship Between Education and Crime, Legal Service India, (Feb 24,2024, 15:59 PM), https://www.legalserviceindia.com [hereinafter “Mohd.”]
[vii] deep, Latest Crime Rate Report of India 2024, State Wise Crime Rate, adda247, (Mar. 01, 2024, 9:29 PM), https://www.adda247.com/upsc-exam/crime-rate/,
[viii] Pawan Sharma, if legal education was compulsory in schools would it reduce the crime rate in India? , youth ki awaaz, (Feb 25,2024, 22:25), https://www.youthkiawaaz.com
[ix] Id,
[x] INDIA CONST. art. 21A, amended by The Constitution (86 Amendment) Act, 2002.
[xi] Madhavi Gaur, Savya Shiksha Abhiyaan Aim, Objective, Function And Achievement, pwonlyias, (Mar. 01, 2024, 9:29 PM), https://pwonlyias.com/savya-shiksha-abhiyaan/