Rule of Law Education

ABOUT ROLE

Rule of Law Education (ROLE for short) is an educational international project of ELSA designed to provide non-formal education on the Rule of Law and leadership to high school students.

It seeks to empower young Europeans by enhancing their understanding of legal principles and their ability to advocate for justice, fairness, and equality in their respective local communities. Delivered by law students and legal professionals, the ROLE Curriculum provides pupils with a comprehensive introduction to the Rule of Law, helping them develop practical legal skills and critical thinking.

AIMS

ELSA’s purpose reads: “To contribute to legal education, to foster mutual understanding and to promote social responsibility among law students and young lawyers”. The Rule of Law Education Programme (ROLE) is a direct manifestation of this purpose as it contributes to the broader goal of promoting legal literacy and social accountability. Through this initiative, ELSA seeks to achieve three key objectives:

 

1. Educate high school students on the Rule of Law
Children and young people can better understand the principles of the Rule of Law by enhancing their practical skills.

2. Advocate for social responsibility at a National scale
Law students contribute to developing a more informed and engaged citizenry deepening legal literacy and promoting values such as justice, fairness, and equality.

3. Inspire the youth to gain more agency over their rights
Through knowledge of their rights, children and young people are given the tools to become more aware of Rule of Law issues when they see them.

PROJECT STRUCTURE
  • ROLE Curriculum
    by ELSA Alumni

    The ROLE Curriculum, created by ELSA Alumni and localised for use by National ELSA Groups, provides a solid foundation for the delivery of ROLE programmes in different forms.

  • Annual Training Conference
    by ELSA International, co-funded by EYF

    Organised every year, provides an all-costs-covered* comprehensive training on non-formal education, the Curriculum, the rule of law and ROLE organisation.

  • National Projects
    by National ELSA Groups

    The direct implementation of ROLE in universities and high schools, coordinated by ELSA International. They include recruitment, training, school visits and more.

ROLE National projects are currently organised by National Groups of ELSA in 18 European countries.

CHARACTERISTICS & OPPORTUNITIES
  • Social Responsibility

    Give back to society starting from your own community and make an impact by educating youth on fundamental issues in the world around them.

  • Skill Building

    Acquire rule of law knowledge and build soft skills in facilitation, education, public speaking, event organisation, stakeholder management and more.

  • Network

    Meet ambitious law students around Europe, collaborate on the delivery of ROLE and build a network that lasts a lifetime.

Get Involved
  • As a Student Facilitator

    Want to train and deliver the ROLE Curriculum to students in a school near you?

    Keep an eye out for Calls for Facilitators by your National ELSA Group. More info available here soon.

  • As an Organiser

    National Groups of ELSA implement ROLE through National ROLE Projects. If you are interested, find out more information here or contact ELSA International at academicactivities@elsa.org!

ELSA - The European Law Students' Association