"After 30 years spent in courtrooms in Texas, ... I am comfortable that SMU's emphasis on how to think as opposed to what to think has been instrumental in procuring justice for a number of deserving clients."
- Frank Branson '69, '74
Partner, Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, PC
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Law-Related Education

Timeline for LRE
Elementary Schools
Class Schedule - due September 4, 2007
Mandatory Training - September 14, 2007
Mock Trials Scheduled
Agenda for Field Trip
Map of SMU

LRE is an educational program that teaches selected Dallas Independent School District (DISD) fifth grade social studies classes about legal topics of practical relevance to our everyday lives. The focus is on developing active citizenship skills and providing sound decision-making tools before a crisis arises. Law students will work in pairs to teach twelve class sessions (lesson plans provided) throughout the academic year on the following topics:

  • Lawmaking, the Constitution, and the United States System of Government
  • Principles underlying the Bill of Rights
  • Civil Law (two sessions)
  • Criminal Law (two sessions)
  • How the Election Process works
  • The American Legal System
  • Mock Trial (four sessions)

At the conclusion of the twelve class sesions, each fifth grade class will conduct a mock trial during a field trip to SMU. A tour of the campus will be given before the mock trial and lunch will be provided.

Law student teams will be assigned mutually agreeable teaching times/days within pre-designated teaching weeks with participating DISD schools. LRE classes are scheduled approximately three to four times per month, from September through February or March. There are NO teaching assignments two weeks preceding final exams or during SMU/DISD holidays.

Contact:

Lynn Moubry
Public Service Program Assistant
Carr Collins Jr. Hall - Room 309, 3rd floor
Phone: (214) 768-2621
Email: Lmoubry@smu.edu
Fax: (214) 768-4688