International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Dr. Upasna Thapliyal, Dr. Rajni Thakur
Abstract: Legal literacy and awareness are crucial components of democratic participation, access to justice, and youth empowerment. This study investigates the level of legal knowledge, attitudes toward legal institutions, and practices adopted by graduate students in Chandigarh, a city known for its strong educational base. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from a stratified random sample of 1,000 students across disciplines and gender through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression, were employed to analyze the data. Findings reveal that while students exhibit moderate legal knowledge (mean score: 58.6/100), significant disciplinary differences persist, with law students outperforming others. Gender differences were evident in awareness of gender-specific laws, though not in overall scores. Regression analysis identified discipline and prior exposure to legal workshops as key predictors of legal literacy. The results highlight a gap between rights awareness and procedural competence, emphasizing the need for curriculum integration, legal-aid initiatives, and gender-sensitive programs. By enhancing legal literacy, higher education institutions can strengthen civic participation and empower youth to engage effectively with legal systems, thereby contributing to a more informed and just society.
