Legal awareness among university students is one of the most essential foundations for building a generation capable of respecting regulations, protecting their rights, and understanding their responsibilities within society. However, reality indicates a noticeable weakness in students’ understanding of basic legal concepts—whether related to conduct within the campus or to the general laws governing their daily lives. This weakness appears not only in theoretical knowledge, but also in behaviors and practices that expose students to liability without them realizing it. The Iraqi Civil Code provides broad protection for rights and obligations. Yet many students are unaware of Article 202, which states: “Anyone who causes harm to another is obliged to compensate for it, even if the offender is not legally competent, as long as the act resulted from a person responsible for them.” This means that any reckless act on campus—such as damaging property or assaulting a colleague—places the student under civil liability, even if they claim ignorance of the law or lack of intent. Furthermore, the Iraqi Penal Code No. 111 of 1969 affirms in Article 19 that “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” Therefore, a student who engages in harmful conduct—such as threats, spreading rumors, or causing injury—cannot evade responsibility by claiming unfamiliarity with the law. Article 433 further criminalizes defamation and insult, which includes verbal abuse and the increasingly common practice of cyberbullying among students—actions that may result in imprisonment or fines. Within the educational context, the Student Discipline Regulations in Higher Education Institutions serve as a key framework governing student conduct. Article 5 of these regulations briefly prohibits any behavior that disrupts public order on campus, such as insulting students or faculty members, showing disrespect, engaging in verbal or physical violence, or damaging university property. However, the lack of awareness of these rules leads many students to commit violations that may result in warnings, temporary suspension, or even dismissal, without realizing that such conduct falls under disciplinary penalties. This combination of ignorance of general laws and unfamiliarity with campus disciplinary regulations creates an environment of confusion, increases behavioral problems, and places students at a higher risk of legal and administrative consequences. It also disrupts healthy interaction within the university and negatively affects students’ sense of responsibility and respect for rules. Enhancing legal awareness is not only the responsibility of educational institutions but also a necessity for protecting students themselves—helping them avoid misconduct, understand their rights and obligations, and contribute to a university environment grounded in respect, legality, and accountability. Al-Mustaqbal University – the first university in Iraq.
  SDG4