Project L.E.A.D.
Legal Enrichment And Decision-making

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Sadly, too many young people first become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. With a more fundamental knowledge of right and wrong, the law, and the consequences for breaking the law, more young people would be equipped to make the right decisions in life. That is the basis of Project L.E.A.D., a 20-week law-related program targeting fifth-graders throughout Los Angeles County.

Through Project L.E.A.D., volunteer deputy district attorneys and district attorney investigators teach fifth-grade students about the law and help them recognize the social and legal consequences of criminal behavior.

The lessons consist of instruction on the criminal justice system and an analytical approach to solving student-acted hypotheticals involving drug use, gang involvement, theft, hate crimes, driving under the influence, truancy, graffiti, and other issues. The curriculum aims to instill positive values in students and help them develop self-esteem, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to resist peer pressure. The program culminates in a mock trial put on by the students.

Outside Speakers

To provide a balanced view of the criminal justice system, outside speakers visit the classroom to speak and interact with the students. Judges, public defenders, private defense attorneys, police officers, detectives, and probation officers are invited to visit the classroom, presenting their perspective on the day’s lesson and discussing their role within the criminal justice system.

Field Trips

Students go on up to three field trips: Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, the Museum of Tolerance, and a local courthouse.

At the juvenile hall, students are exposed to the real consequences of criminal involvement by visiting the juveniles’ living and eating quarters. Probation staff talk to the students regarding the rules and purpose of juvenile incarceration. Students also hear from Teens on Target, a group of former gang members who were physically disabled by gang shootings.

Mock Trial

At the end of the 20-week course of study, Project L.E.A.D. students conduct a mock trial involving either drug selling or gun possession on campus. Many of these mock trials are held in actual courtrooms during the students’ field trip. Students are assigned roles and argue a criminal case to a jury consisting of students. Teachers and parents attend, and students receive completion certificates.

Impact

Since its inception in 1993, Project L.E.A.D. has served thousands of students in hundreds of schools throughout Los Angeles County – from the Antelope Valley to Long Beach and from the West San Fernando Valley to the East San Gabriel Valley.

How to get involved

Schools throughout Los Angeles County are invited to participate in Project L.E.A.D. School principals interested in the program should call the District Attorney’s Bureau of Crime Prevention & Youth Services at (213) 974-7401.

The program runs from September to June in both traditional and year-round schools. Due to the large number of requests for participation in the program and the fact that Project L.E.A.D. is volunteer-based, we are not able to accommodate all schools.

Bureau of Crime Prevention & Youth Services
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
320 West Temple St., Suite 1162
Los Angeles, CA. 90012
Phone: (213) 974-7401

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Site updated: 01 Feb 2006
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