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Editorial 
Design, development and value 

Sarah Morse 

Northumbria University, UK 

sarah.morse@northumbria.ac.uk  

 

In this second issue of the journal, we look at the potential design, development and 

value of Public Legal Education (PLE) programmes.  We begin with Lee Arbetman’s 

paper, which takes us back to the origins of Street Law Inc. and looks at the potential 

development, reach and sustainability of a Street Law style programme.  This is 

followed by Richard Grimes’ paper, which illustrates how a legal literacy programme 

might be designed to include methods of evaluating impact. 

 

Both papers complement each other well by considering the opportunities PLE 

programmes present and providing inspiration to clinicians about how success can be 

achieved whilst also recognising the challenges we face.  Both writers emphasise the 

importance of sustainability – whether that is through building effective partnerships 

or the need to provide evidence of the impact of our work to, amongst other reasons, 

secure financial backing and support.  Richard’s article concludes with a call for more 

research in this area and we would welcome contributions to this journal of that 

nature. 

 

mailto:sarah.morse@northumbria.ac.uk


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Designing an effective PLE programme is also at the heart of Victoria Roper’s article.  

This provides good insight into the pro’s and con’s of a blog based legal education 

project from the perspective of the clinician/academic, student and audience.  An ‘in 

conversation’ piece with Marilyn Cover and Jennifer Bloom also provides the 

perspective of two experienced clinicians considering the benefits of Street Law when 

compared to other Law School classes. 

 

This issue ends with Frances Ridout’s review of the second edition of Street Law:  

Democracy For All – Learner’s Manual and Street Law:  Democracy For All – Educator’s 

Manual by David McQuoid-Mason, Lloyd Lotz, and Lindi Coetze.  As Frances 

concludes, the manuals are thought provoking and provide a valuable resource for 

students and educators alike who are involved in a Street Law programme in and 

outside of South Africa. 

 

In this issue, there is a great deal to inspire us whether we are designing a new PLE 

programme or developing an existing one.  Do let us hear about your own 

programmes to share ideas and best practice. 

 

Please also let us know of any upcoming events in the field of PLE.   The 3rd Annual 

Street Law Best Practice Conference will take place at Sheffield Hallam University, UK 

on 13 and 14 September 2018.  This year’s theme is ‘Impact and Influence’ which 

dovetails nicely with the discussions in this issue.