Measuring Legal Literacy on Constitutional Rights: A Quantitative Analysis of Layperson Understanding
Keywords:
legal literacy, constitutional rights, tricycle drivers, informal sector, layperson understandingAbstract
This study investigates the level of legal literacy among laypeople in Cauayan City, Isabela, focusing specifically on their understanding, awareness, and knowledge of constitutional rights. Recognizing the critical role legal literacy plays in empowering individuals to assert their rights and engage with legal institutions, the research addresses a significant knowledge gap concerning marginalized workers in the informal transport sector. Using a descriptive-correlational design and survey methodology, the study involved tricycle drivers as respondents (N=351) and analyzed data through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings reveal that while the respondents exhibit generally high self-perceived understanding and awareness of constitutional rights, particularly their right to vote, significant gaps persist in procedural knowledge and access to formal legal education. The results show that educational attainment and years of experience significantly influence legal literacy, whereas age and income do not. Statistical analysis warrants the conclusion that there is an urgent need for accessible, community-based legal education programs tailored to the realities of informal workers. Strengthening legal literacy among tricycle drivers can foster a more informed citizenry, reduce vulnerability to rights violations, and promote more equitable engagement with legal and civic processes.
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