The verdict is in, and the Law Merit Badge Day in South Carolina is one of the best around.
Ninety Boy Scouts have registered to attend this Saturday’s event
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Merit Badge
Scouting America Merit Badge Hub
Requirement Updates 2026
This Merit Badge’s Requirements have recently been updated in 2025 Scouting America Requirements (33216). Please read more about “Requirements” on the Merit Badge Hub homepage. The previous version of the Merit Badge requirements can be found in Scoutbook.
Law
Merit Badge Overview
Earning this merit badge enables a Scout to learn about the history and kinds of laws, the purpose and methods of law enforcement, consumer protection agencies, emerging law, and careers in the legal profession.
Law
Merit Badge Requirements
The previous version of the Merit Badge requirements can be found in Scoutbook
The requirements will be fed dynamically using the scout book integration
2.
Discuss TWO of the following:
- (a)
Justinian's Code, the Code of Hammurabi, and the Magna Carta
Resources: Code of Justinian (website)
Code of Justinian (video)
Code of Hammurabi (website)
Code of Hammurabi (video)
Magna Carta (video) - (b)
The development of the jury system
Resource: Origins of Modern Jury System (website) - (c)
Two famous trials in history
Resource: Famous Trials That Shaped Legal History (video)
6.
Do ONE of the following:
- (a) Attend a session of a civil or criminal court. Write 250 words or more on what you saw.
- (b)
Plan and conduct a mock trial with your troop, school class or other group. After the trial is over, discuss it with the group.
Resources: Law Merit Badge Mock Trial (video)
How Does a Mock Trial Work? (video)
11.
Discuss with your counselor the importance in our society of TWO of the following areas of the law or process:
- (a)
Administrative
Resources: Understanding Administrative Law (website)
Who Regulates Daily Life? | Administrative Law Explained (video) - (c)
Bankruptcy
Resources: Bankruptcy Basics (website)
Bankruptcy Basic (video) - (e)
Environmental
Resource: Environmental Law: A Short Introduction (video) - (f)
Family
Resources: Family Law (website)
Family Law Explained (video) - (g)
Immigration
Resources: Immigration Law (website)
Immigration Law Explained (video) - (h)
Information Technology
Resources: Information Technology Law (website)
Cyber Law Explained (video) - (i)
Intellectual Property (Copyright, Patents and Trademarks)
Resources: Intellectual Property Law (website)
Intellectual Property Law Explained (video) - (j)
International
Resources: International Law (website)
What Is International Law (video) - (k)
Privacy
Resources: Tech Law & Privacy Law (website)
Understanding the Basics of US Privacy Laws (video)
1.
Define law. Tell some of its sources. Describe the functions it serves.
Resource: Sources of Law (website)
Resource: Sources of Law (website)
10.
Tell where people can go to obtain the help of a lawyer if they are unable to pay for one. Tell what you can do if you can afford a lawyer but do not know of any in your area.
Resources: Legal Help Program If You Cannot Afford an Attorney (website)
How To Find An Attorney (website)
How Do I Find a Lawyer (video)
Resources: Legal Help Program If You Cannot Afford an Attorney (website)
How To Find An Attorney (website)
How Do I Find a Lawyer (video)
3.
Tell what civil law is; tell what criminal law is. Tell the main differences between them. Give examples of each.
Resources: Differences Between Criminal Court and Civil Court (website)
What Is the Difference Between Civil Cases and Criminal Cases? (video)
Resources: Differences Between Criminal Court and Civil Court (website)
What Is the Difference Between Civil Cases and Criminal Cases? (video)
4.
Ask five people (not more than one from your immediate family) about the role of law enforcement officers in our society. Discuss their answers with them. Report your findings to your counselor.
5.
Discuss with your counselor several laws that were passed to protect the consumer and the seller. Describe several organizations that provide help to consumers and sellers.
Resource: Consumer Protection Law Explained (video)
Resource: Consumer Protection Law Explained (video)
7.
Arrange a visit with a lawyer who works for a business, bank, title company, or government agency. Find out his or her duties and responsibilities. Report what you have learned.
8.
Explain the requirements for becoming a lawyer in your state. Describe how judges are selected in your state.
Resource: How To Become a Lawyer (video)
Resource: How To Become a Lawyer (video)
9.
Make a list of 15 jobs that deal with some aspects of law or legal processes. Tell which you prefer. Why?
Resource: List of Legal Careers (website)
Resource: List of Legal Careers (website)
- (b)
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Resources: Alternative Dispute Resolution (website)
Alternative Dispute Resolution - An Explanation & Overview (video) - (d)
Biotechnology
Resources: What Is Biotechnology Law? (website)
Biotech Regulation (video)
NOTE: The official merit badge pamphlets are now free and downloadable HERE or can be purchased at the Scout Shop.
Get the Law Merit Badge Pamphlet
Merit Badge Pamphlets are now free and publicly available. Note: Always check stg.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/all/ for the latest requirements.
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