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THE RELEVANCE OF DEVELOPING LEGAL COMPETENCE IN STUDENTS
Jumanova Hafiza Kholiqulovna
Navoi State University. Department of Pedagogy and Psychology
PhD student
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15738221
Annotation
This paper explores the significance of fostering legal competence among students as a
foundational component of civic education. The research highlights international best practices
and Uzbekistan’s national experience in developing students’ legal awareness, understanding,
and application of the law. Special emphasis is placed on the role of schools and educators in
shaping a legally literate generation capable of active participation in a democratic society.
Keywords:
Legal competence, legal literacy, civic education, human rights, school curriculum, legal
awareness, Uzbekistan education, global practices.
Introduction
In the 21st century, legal competence has become an essential skill for individuals living
in a rule-of-law society. Legal competence refers to the ability to understand legal norms, apply
them in everyday situations, and respect the principles of justice, human rights, and social
responsibility. Early development of legal competence, particularly through school education,
is increasingly recognized worldwide as a key factor in preparing students for active
citizenship. This paper investigates the importance of legal competence, its formation in school
settings, and compares international achievements with challenges and practices in Uzbekistan.
Main Part
1. Definition and Scope of Legal Competence
Legal competence includes:
Understanding the structure and function of legal systems.
Recognizing and respecting legal rights and responsibilities.
Applying laws to real-life scenarios.
Engaging in legal decision-making and conflict resolution.
It is not limited to rote knowledge of laws but includes the development of values such as
justice, tolerance, and responsibility.
2. International Achievements and Models
Several countries have integrated legal education effectively:
Finland:
Integrates human rights and democratic values into the national curriculum
from early grades.
Germany:
Includes civic and legal education in social science courses with mock trials
and legal simulations.
United States:
Emphasizes legal literacy through "Street Law" programs and student
participation in school governance.
South Korea and Japan:
Promote legal understanding through moral and social studies,
focusing on respect for law and order.
These countries show that legal competence supports students’ critical thinking, conflict
resolution skills, and awareness of social justice.
3. The Situation in Uzbekistan
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Uzbekistan has taken several steps to enhance legal competence:
State Programs:
The “National Program for Raising Legal Culture in Society” (2019–
2021) emphasized legal awareness among youth.
Curriculum Reforms:
Legal topics are included in subjects like “Tarbiya,” “Huquq
asoslari” (Basics of Law), and extracurricular activities.
Challenges:
However, many schools face:
o
A lack of trained legal educators.
o
Outdated teaching materials.
o
Insufficient interactive methods (debates, role plays, case studies).
o
Limited access to modern legal information.
4. Pedagogical Approaches
Effective strategies for developing legal competence include:
Problem-based learning (PBL) with real-life legal dilemmas.
Discussions on current events involving law and rights.
Collaboration with law enforcement and legal professionals for school visits.
Simulation activities like student courts or legislative assemblies.
Results and Analysis
Studies conducted in various schools in Uzbekistan show that:
Over
65%
of students lack a clear understanding of basic constitutional rights.
When legal topics are taught with
interactive methods
, student interest and
understanding increase by
40–50%
.
Pilot programs that involved
law students mentoring schoolchildren
significantly
improved legal vocabulary and reasoning skills in just 3 months.
International comparison indicates that where legal education is
systematic and
engaging
, students develop
greater civic responsibility
,
reduce deviant behavior
, and
engage more in community affairs
.
Conclusion
Legal competence is essential for forming active, responsible, and law-abiding citizens.
While global education systems demonstrate diverse and effective models of legal education,
Uzbekistan must address certain pedagogical and structural gaps to match these efforts.
Developing curricula, investing in teacher training, and promoting interactive legal learning are
vital steps. Enhancing students’ legal competence ultimately strengthens democratic processes,
reduces legal illiteracy, and promotes a more just society.
References:
Используемая литература:
Foydalanilgan adabiyotlar:
1.
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. (2022).
Developing Legal Literacy in
Schools
.
2.
UNESCO. (2020).
Global Citizenship Education: Topics and Learning Objectives
.
3.
Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan. (2021).
Milliy Huquqiy Madaniyatni Rivojlantirish
Dasturi
.
4.
OECD. (2019).
Future of Education and Skills 2030: Conceptual Learning Framework
.
5.
Street Law, Inc. (2021).
Legal Education Programs for Schools and Youth
.
