The basic approaches discussed are the use of information about the legal system to threaten and intimidate youth into obedience, logic which is consistent with what has often been called "scared straight"; the description of the justice system as a model of perfection, or what the authors call the "emperor's clothes" approach; and the focus on participatory justice, or the "learning by doing" approach. The first two of these approaches envision a social system that is separate from the learner and requires unquestioning obedience. The third approach places primary emphasis on teaching participatory opportunities in a social system that requires active involvement from all members. The authors conclude that only the third approach holds potential for being education; therefore, only this approach is appropriately labeled law-related education. Even though this approach presents numerous challenges and in no way guarantees a successful educational endeavor, attempts to graft the philosophies of the first two approaches onto the third will undermine desired outcomes. Approaches that facilitate a passive learner separated from the subject matter and convey information that is often dissonant with the learner's past experiences with illegal behavior and the justice system are fundamentally flawed. 26 references