The American legal system exists to protect the vulnerable, but instead can be confusing, intimidating and alienating to those very people. At Alternative High School (AHS), teacher Charles Clifford’s class on Street Law helps students understand the basics, especially juvenile law, constitutional rights and legal language.

 
For the past two years, Clifford has welcomed Kyle Steinebach, an assistant district attorney for the Monroe County District Attorney's Office as a guest speaker. Steinebach, who also teaches in the Criminal Justice department at Monroe Community College, has become a favorite among AHS students. His latest presentations were attended by 98% of students and staff, and included a lively Q and A session. He shared the legal processes behind several high profile local cases involving young people and gave interested students copies of one of his favorite books. He later hosted an AHS field trip to the Hall of Justice. 

“Steinebach gives kids an opportunity to see law enforcement figures as ‘just normal people,’” said Clifford. “He humanizes the system and shows kids that there are lots of folks who are there to help them, and are not out to get them.”