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Center for Law, Justice & Culture
Undergraduate Certificate
Master's Degree

Center for Law, Justice & Culture

The Center for Law, Justice & Culture at Ohio University is an interdisciplinary academic community dedicated to advancing scholarship and teaching by integrating programs and uniting faculty and students who share a common interest in law's constitutive and formative role in cultural, political, and social life.

Get Experience in a Justice Lab or Pathway

Justice Labs are high‑impact experiential learning opportunities that span both global human rights work and local access-to-justice issues.

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    Rural Justice Lab

    Students support legal clinics in Athens and Hocking Counties, assisting with client intake, eligibility assessments, and observing consultations. They directly support attorneys serving low‑income community members in partnership with Legal Aid of Southeast & Central Ohio

    Rural Justice Lab
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    International Justice Lab

    Students collaborate with law schools nationwide on four accountability projects, participating in real human rights investigations, documentation, research, writing, and advocacy. They work alongside law students under the leadership of alumnus David Crane—gaining exposure to professional legal environments and international justice systems.

    International Justice Lab
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    Rural Justice Pathway Program

    The Rural Justice Pathway Program is more than a pre-law program. It is an investment in students, communities, and the future of justice in rural Ohio by developing the next generation of lawyers, advocates, and community leaders. 

    Rural Justice Pathway Program

CLJC In the News

Summer Law & Trial Institute

Free Program for High-Achieving, Rising High School Juniors and Seniors
Summer Law & Trial Institute
The 2026 Institute

Justice Labs Teach Students in Real-World Environments

CLJC introduces International Justice Lab and Rural Justice Lab
OHIO News: Justice Labs Shape Students’ Skills
Athens Messenger: Free Legal Advice Clinic

Explore Law and Democracy in South Africa

Students engaged in numerous experiential opportunities studying the legacy of apartheid, the leadership of Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Study Abroad in South Africa
About the 2026 South Africa Experience

Hayman Tackles Rural Attorney Shortage with State Bar, Pre-Law Students

Larry Hayman Named to Ohio State Bar Association Board of Governors
Hayman Named to State Leadership Role
Hayman Tackles Rural Attorney Shortage

Recent CLJC News

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OHIO students stand together outside on a warm summer day while looking out across a valley

Students gain hands-on experience through programs funded by Experiential Learning Stewardship Grants

September 17, 2026

OHIO faculty and staff from all campuses are creating new opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with hands-on experience with the help of Experiential Learning Stewardship Grants.
An image of Larry Hayman and friends

Alumni join forces to establish endowment honoring Larry Hayman and support the future of law, justice education at OHIO

September 14, 2026

Founding commitments totaling $450,000 have launched a $1 million effort to provide increased support for Ohio University’s Center for Law, Justice & Culture.
The 2026 MORPC interns stand together for a photo while they are outside in front of a building

Students, local governments benefit from internship partnership with MORPC

September 09, 2026

An internship collaboration between OHIO's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is benefiting students and local communities.

CLJC Events

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Meet & Greet with 2026 OHIO Alumna of the Year! Friday, October 9 9:30 AM — 11:00 AM Center for Law, Justice & Culture
Wrongful Conviction Day: Ohio Innocence Project Hosts Film Screening with Exoneree, Filmmaker October 27 Tuesday, October 27 7:00 PM — 8:30 PM Athena Cinema