Research findings on juvenile delinquency and positive juvenile development indicate the importance of youth having the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their lives within the parameters and opportunities of society's legal and regulatory institutions that define citizens' responsibilities, rights, and benefits. In an effort to address this need, Street Law began in 1972, when law students at Georgetown University decided to bring law out of the courtrooms and into the underserved public school classrooms of Washington, DC. Over the past 30 years, Street Law has become both an international organization and an educational philosophy. There are three concepts that guide Street Law programming. First, youth are provided with practical information ("knowledge") about law, democracy, and human rights. Second, using innovative and participatory instructional strategies, youth are guided in developing the "skills" needed to use their "knowledge" in their community and personal lives. Third, youth are encouraged and guided to commit to the welfare of their communities through partnerships with caring adults as they become involved in beneficial "community activities." These core goals have guided educators in setting up programs in every U.S. State and 30 countries worldwide. Currently, Street Law, Inc. is focusing on helping youth make the transition to adulthood in a world where the government, police, and the community expect them to be "independent," based on their knowledge, skills, and community connections. 19 references