Introducing the 11th Edition of Street Law: A Course in Practical Law

For over 50 years, Street Law has been a trusted name in civic and law-related education, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become informed, engaged citizens. Now, we’re proud to introduce the 11^th Edition of Street Law: A Course in Practical Law—a comprehensive high school-level resource designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s classrooms.

More than just a textbook, Street Law is an interactive curriculum that builds legal knowledge while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and civil discourse. Since the 1975 publishing of the first edition of Street Law: A Course in Practical Law, teachers nationwide have relied on Street Law to engage students with real-world legal issues and equip them with the tools to navigate the complexities of modern society.

What’s New in the 11^th Edition?

This latest edition builds on the strengths of its predecessors while incorporating exciting new features and updates:

• New Chapter on National Security Law – Covers cybersecurity, terrorism, and government surveillance, preparing students to understand and analyze critical issues affecting national and global security.
• Updated Supreme Court Cases and Federal Legislation – Ensures students engage with the latest legal precedents, laws, and policies, keeping classroom discussions timely and relevant.
• Enhanced Interactive Tools for Teachers and Students – Includes a new online platform, Kahoot! review games for each unit, and updated PowerPoint bell-ringer activities to deepen engagement and reinforce key concepts.

A Pedagogy That Works

As with previous editions, the 11^th Edition features Street Law’s signature student-centered, interactive approach that encourages inquiry and real-world application, including:

• “The Law Where You Live” – Connects legal concepts to students’ local communities.
• “You Be the Judge” – Challenges students to think critically and analyze real legal dilemmas.
• “The Case of…” – Presents compelling case studies that illustrate legal principles in action.
• Street Law Deliberation Activities – Facilitates structured, respectful discussions on pressing legal and civic issues, promoting civil discourse in the classroom.
• Accompanying Teacher Manual – Includes a comprehensive guide to student-centered activities tailored for law electives, lesson suggestions, additional resources, and answer keys to support teachers—especially those without a legal background—in confidently leading discussions and coursework.

Designed and Reviewed by Experts, Built for Educators

The 11th Edition has been rigorously reviewed by legal experts and educators to ensure accuracy, relevance, and classroom effectiveness. It is authored by two national leaders in civic and law-related education:

• Cathy Ruffing – Cathy is a senior program director at Street Law, Inc. and a National Board-Certified educator with nearly three decades of classroom experience—13 of which were spent teaching a high school law elective course that she spearheaded in Fairfax County, Virginia. Cathy’s classroom experience ensures the textbook aligns with best practices in student-centered learning and effective pedagogy.
• Lee Arbetman – Lee is Street Law, Inc.’s former executive director and was a central force behind the organization’s national and international growth for over five decades. As a co-author of all previous editions, Lee has dedicated his career to making legal education accessible, relevant, and impactful.

The authors collaborated with a broad team of legal experts from the private sector, public sector, and academia to ensure legal accuracy and the inclusion of emerging legal issues. Additionally, experienced educators provided invaluable feedback, ensuring the curriculum remains classroom-ready and deeply relevant to students. Their insights helped shape engaging real-world examples and ensure key legal topics are presented in ways that resonate with learners.

A Trusted Partner in Education

Whether schools are launching a new high school law course or strengthening an existing one, Street Law: A Course in Practical Law, 11th Edition is an ideal resource for equipping students with essential legal knowledge and skills.

Available in both print and digital formats exclusively from McGraw Hill Education, this edition continues to serve as an essential tool in fulfilling the Street Law, Inc. mission.

School districts and educators can request a sample copy today to bring Street Law’s trusted curriculum to their classroom.

Special thanks:

Legal Expert Reviewers

• Ali Allawi, Warner Brothers Discovery
• Joe Atkins, Maryland Office of the Public Defender
• Laura Dickinson, The George Washington University Law School
• Richard Katskee, Duke Law
• Amanda Leiter, Environmental Protection Agency
• Sari Long, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
• David Modzeleski, Warner Brothers Discovery
• Erin Murphy, Clement & Murphy
• Morgan Ratner, Sullivan & Cromwell
• Caroline Rogus, The George Washington University Law School
• Clarence Shen, Warner Brothers Discovery
• Susan Gross Sholinsky, Epstein Becker Green
• Claudia Simons, Federal Trade Commission (retired)
• Tami Sims, Warner Brothers Discovery
• Colleen Sinzdak, Office of Solicitor General
• Carrie Valiant, Epstein Becker Green

Teacher Reviewers

• Bob Barz, Legal Prep Charter Academy, Chicago, IL
• Christopher Busse, O’Fallon Township High School, O’Fallon, IL (retired May 2024)
• Elizabeth Chapman, Cambria Heights High School, Patton, PA
• Peggy Grasso, Clarkston High School, Clarkston, MI
• Beth Seabreeze, Rockville High School, Rockville, MD
• Dina Violante, Union County Vocational Technical School, Scotch Plains, NJ
• Randi Warren, Patriot High School, Nokesville, VA
• Hannah Williams, Todd Beamer High School, Federal Way, WA