Law and the Trail to Eagle
Law is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Law Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 6 main requirements for Law. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Define law. Tell some of its origins. Discuss why laws are necessary.
- 2
Discuss the U.S. Constitution. Explain the Bill of Rights and the process of amending the Constitution.
- 3
Discuss the differences between criminal law and civil law.
- 4
Ask five people about the role of law in their everyday lives. Discuss what you learned.
- 5
Attend a trial or a session of a legislative body. Report on what you learned.
- 6
Find out about three career opportunities in law.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Law Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Law, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Law is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 6 Law requirements for you.
Law Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Law merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Law is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Law merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Law in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Law merit badge?
Law is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Law can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Law merit badge have?
Law has 6 main requirements, for 6 items in total.
