Advertise on podcast: Kids Law

Here is a look back at our 2026 episodes in a nutshell - for those who want to dip in and out, we compiled a short episode of highlights to put some legal lessons into your summer break. Enjoy! If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

What do 16 and 17-year-olds need to be able to vote in UK General Elections? The Government plans to lower the voting age to 16 before the next General Election. But changing the law is only the beginning. If 1.8 million young people are voting for the first time, how will they learn about politics? Where can they find trustworthy information? How do they avoid misinformation online? And what can schools, families and politicians do to help? In this episode of Kids Law, Alma-Constance and Lucinda are joined by Harriet Andrews, Founder and Director of The Politics Project, an organisation that works with thousands of schools and youth organisations across the UK to help young people understand democracy and politics. Together they explore why young people already care deeply about issues that affect their lives, why confidence and good information matter just as much as the right to vote, and why political parties may need to rethink how they communicate with a new generation of voters. You'll hear about: Why lowering the voting age is only the first stepHow young people can prepare for their first voteThe role of schools, youth groups and political partiesHow elections are organised in the UKWhy misinformation and AI make finding reliable information harderLessons from Scotland and Wales, where 16 and 17-year-olds already voteWhat politicians need to do differently to engage young peopleHarriet's advice for anyone who hopes to vote for the first timeAs always, Alma also asks Hattie our favourite Kids Law question: What were you like when you were 10 years old? Hattie says she loved trading gel pens and wanted to be an architect! We'd love to hear from you! If the voting age is lowered to 16, would you be excited to vote? Further Reading Harriet Andrews The Politics Project Electoral Commission Democracy Classroom Easy Peasy Politics BBC Bitesize Childline – 0800 1111 Kids Law If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

What does the Lord Chancellor actually do? Who makes sure judges can make decisions independently? Why are courts taking so long to hear cases? And should children as young as 10 be held criminally responsible for their actions? In this episode Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Sir Robert Buckland KC, former Lord Chancellor, Justice Secretary, Solicitor General and criminal barrister, about one of the oldest and most important roles in the British constitution. They discuss ·       why laws often take years to pass through Parliament ·       he believes trial by jury should be protected ·       how artificial intelligence could help reduce court delays ·       why laws often take a long time to pass through Parliament The conversation also explores issues affecting young people,  ·       including the age of criminal responsibility ·       modern slavery involving children   ·       Votes at 16 and understanding democracy ·       Smartphones, smoking and new laws Sir Robert shares memories of his own childhood, discusses his new podcast Hidden Wiring, and offers inspiring advice for anyone interested in a career in law. Kids Law is a fascinating introduction to law, politics and justice for young people, families and teachers alike. Resources Robert Buckland - Wikipedia Robert Buckland website Instagram The Church Commissioners Office of the Lord Chancellor Age of Criminal Responsibility E&W CPS Voting age of 16 House of Commons Library  If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

Who makes the rules in space—and what happens when things go wrong? Did you know there are more than 11,000 satellites orbiting Earth—and no traffic lights in space? From falling space debris to future cities on the Moon, this episode explores how laws work beyond Earth with leading international space lawyer Joanne Wheeler. Together, we explore: • How space law began—and why it was created • What happens if space debris falls back to Earth • The growing issue of space sustainability and debris • Whether countries and companies can mine the Moon • What life (and laws) might look like on Mars Joanne also shares how she became a space lawyer—and why there are exciting career opportunities for young people interested in space. If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered who’s in charge up there this episode is for you! Guest: Joanne Wheeler, MBE, Managing Partner at Alden Legal and international expert in space law. Joanne advises governments and companies on satellite launches, space regulation, and sustainability—and is helping shape the future of life beyond Earth.  Resources The National Space Centre National Space Academy Royal Observatory Greenwich Royal Astronomical Society  Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS) Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) Need help or advice? Call Childline: 0800 1111 (UK, free and confidential) Visit: www.childline.org.uk Kids Law is a podcast helping young people understand how the law affects their everyday lives—from school rules to big global issues like human rights and space exploration. If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

Why does funding legal advice matter and how law affects everyone in society and why delays in courts and overcrowded prisons are becoming a serious problem.  Alma-Constance and Lucinda explore what’s happening inside the UK’s justice system with Richard Atkinson, criminal defence solicitor with more than 30 years’ experience and the 180th President of the Law Society of England and Wales.  In this episode we discuss Why criminal trials are now scheduled  four years into the future, what prison overcrowding means for justiceWhy legal aid is such an important public serviceHow early legal advice can prevent problems in areas like housing and  family lifeWhether the age of criminal responsibility should be raisedThe importance of investing in courts, lawyers and modern technologyRichard also shares a powerful story from his career defending children and young people and that when he was 10 years old he wanted to be an RAF pilot and fly fast jets! Together we discuss how the justice system works, why funding matters, and how law affects everyone in society — even if we don’t think about it every day. As always, Kids Law helps young people understand how laws affect them — and how they can shape the future. If you have worries or need support: Childline: 0800 1111 (free confidential advice for under 18) Visit: www.kidslaw.info Please subscribe, rate and share the podcast — and keep your brilliant questions coming. Resources Richard Atkinson LinkedIn Richard Atkinson with Law Society Gazette The Law Society Tuckers Solicitors If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

Should the Parthenon (often called the “Elgin”) Marbles be returned to Greece? In this episode of Kids Law, Alma-Constance and Lucinda explore one of the biggest cultural and legal debates in the UK. The ancient sculptures were taken from the Parthenon temple in Athens over 200 years ago and are now displayed in the British Museum. Some people believe they were legally acquired. Others argue they should be reunited with the rest of the temple in Greece. So what does the law say? And can the law change? We’re joined by solicitor Mark Stephens CBE, consultant at Howard Kennedy and a long-time campaigner for the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles. Mark explains: How Museum laws developed over timeWhy national museums in the UK currently cannot return objects, even if they want toWhy some countries say cultural objects are more than “museum pieces” — they are part of identityWhat “provenance checking” means and why it matters todayWhether returning objects would empty museums — or make them fairerWe also explore: Why learning from the past isn’t the same as judging itWhether the age of criminal responsibility (currently 10 in England and Wales) is too youngWhy lowering the voting age to 16 could strengthen democracyHow the law evolves as society grows upMark shares his belief that the law is strongest when it protects the smallest voices — and that asking questions is often where change begins. When he was 10, Mark says he was very curious, asked a lot of questions and cared about fairness a lot. As always, Kids Law helps young people understand how laws affect them — and how they can shape the future. If you have worries or need support: Childline: 0800 1111 (free confidential advice for under 18) Visit: www.kidslaw.info Please subscribe, rate and share the podcast — and keep your brilliant questions coming.  References https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/contested-objects-collection https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/time-to-rethink-our-museums-and-return-stolen-goods-says-high-profile-lawyer/5110128.article The British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles https://www.parthenonuk.com/component/tags/tag/mark-stephens-cbe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Stephens_(solicitor)  The Art Newspaper Howard Kennedy If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

This episode is a listen back over the past 5 years since we launched the podcast.  If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

Want to know how you can influence the decisions that shape your life? Arthur Templeman-Lily at 17 years old is a children’s rights consultant from Wales, who works to ensure young people’s voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives. He tells Alma and Lucinda about his experience in children participating in shaping law and policy, and why Cardiff is a leader in children’s rights.  Arthur explains how he became involved in children’s rights work and champion youth voices. We discuss: ·      How he went about producing the children-led book, ‘Pause, Play, Fast   Forward: The Journey of Children in Wales’ ·      how the book is being used in schools and youth settings ·      why Wales became one of the first UK nations to criminalise smacking ·      the reasons and importance of voting at 16 years old ·      the age of criminal responsibility, comparing Wales with Scotland. ·      advice for children who want to learn more about their rights or get involved. When Arthur was 10, he really enjoyed history and loved writing fan fiction about  the Lion King!  If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

Content Warning: This episode mentions domestic and sexual abuse, possession of weapons, and mental health difficulties in relation to behaviour that may lead to school exclusion. Children as young as 10 can be held responsible for crimes – but they also have special rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda talk to Florence Cole, an education solicitor at Harrow Law Centre, about the laws around children’s education, why exclusions happen, and what can be done to protect young people. Florence has many years' experience supporting children and families through exclusions, appeals, discrimination cases, and special educational needs issues. She explains: ·       When parents can legally challenge a school or local authority decision ·       Why exclusions can have devastating long-term effects ·       How children’s backgrounds, trauma and unmet special needs can influence behaviour ·       The “school-to-prison pipeline” and pupil referral units ·       Practical tips for parents and carers facing exclusion hearings ·       How the law (Equality Act 2010, Children & Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations) protects children with special educational needs When Florence was 10, she loved spending time in nature and had an imaginary friend called Frieda.  References and Resources  Harrow Law CentreBehaviour in schools: sanctions and exclusionsDiscriminatory exclusionsSchool exclusion: a review on disproportionate exclusion of certain childrenSchool suspensions and permanent exclusionsIf you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

We hear in the news about people fleeing their homes to become asylum seekers or refugees, why is this?  Alma and Lucinda talk to Lance Bartholomeusz from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to find out: ·       The difference between refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants ·       Why so many people around the world are forced to leave their homes ·       What protections and rights refugees have under international law ·       The role of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) around the world ·       How refugee children are supported to go to school, stay safe, and build new lives ·       The challenges people face when starting a new life in a different country You’ll also hear real examples of the UNHCR’s work, from helping Palestinian families in neighbouring countries, to supporting Rohingya communities in Bangladesh, to protecting displaced people in Ukraine, and how Uganda supports Sudanese refugees in Africa.  When Lance was 10 he wanted to be a snake handler!  References and Resources  United Nations Refugee Agency  United Kingdom for UNHCR  Kate Blanchett on Statelessness  Patrick Eba UNHCR’s policy and legal expert ‘Why do refugees need protection?’ There are more stories at www.unhcr.org under news and stories. Here are the latest stories relating to children: News and stories | UNHCR There were 8.4 million asylum-seekers awaiting decisions on their individual applications at the end of 2024, the highest number ever recorded, marking a 22 per cent increase from 6.9 million the previous year. See Global Trends | UNHCR If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

Did you know you could train as a solicitor straight from school? There are two different routes to becoming a solicitor –as a graduate and as an apprentice. In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Annabel Twose, a second-year trainee, and Matt Dady, a first-year solicitor apprentice at Fieldfisher's London office, a European law firm with 25 offices in 13 countries. Together they explore: ·      Why they wanted to train as a solicitor ·      The difference between training as a solicitor apprentice or as a graduate and why chose their route ·      challenges encountered in their training  ·      A typical day and available support  ·      The area of law they want to practice once qualified  ·      Their top tips for working in a law firm  When she was 10 years old, Annabel was an avid reader and inspired by Alex Rider books wanted to be a spy. Matt wanted to work in the travel industry, as a captain of a cruise ship.    References and Resources  Fieldfisher London CILEX episode Legal Cheek Corporate Law Academy  Grow Mentoring  The Bright Network. Law Society and becoming a solicitor Law Careers – a guide to apprenticeships    ➡️ Call 999 in an emergency ➡️ Speak to an adult you trust ➡️ Or contact a confidential service like Childline: 0800 1111 ➡️ If you're under 18 and want free, confidential advice, you can also call the NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected] If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

Research shows that smacking a child can be physically and emotionally damaging and it’s not an effective way to discipline them. In some parts of the UK, such as Scotland and Wales, smacking a child is against the law, even if you’re just visiting. But in England and Northern Ireland, the law is different - parents can still claim a defence of ‘reasonable punishment’. In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Amy Packham, a criminal barrister, Deputy Head of Lamb Building chambers, and a part-time Crown Court judge. Together, they explore: ·       Why the law around smacking children is different in different parts of the UK ·       Whether teachers or other adults are ever allowed to smack a child ·       What the law means by ‘reasonable punishment’ ·       What happens if someone reports a parent for smacking their child ·       How the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child fits into all of this If a child tells you they are being hit or they don’t feel safe, it’s important to act: ➡️ Call 999 in an emergency ➡️ Speak to an adult you trust ➡️ Or contact a confidential service like Childline: 0800 1111 ➡️ If you're under 18 and want free, confidential advice, you can also call the NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]   References and Resources Find your local social care team through your local council. NSPCC helpline (via phone, email or online form) Kids Law Interview Why are Children’s Rights in Scotland the Strongest in the UK? S.58 The Children Act 2004 NSPCC Survey 2024 The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Report 2024 Children’s Commissioner for England Article 19 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child  If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

WARNING: Adults might want to listen to this episode before listening with young children, as we mention the words self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders in the context of examples of harmful online content. What are the legal implications for young people becoming influencers online? What happens if brands offer them sponsorship deals? These activities raise commercial, consent and ownership legal issues. Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Steve Kuncewicz, Partner at Glaisyers Solicitors. Steve is an expert in the law that affects the creative, digital and marketing world and he joined the our hosts to talk about the main legal issues affecting children creators of online content in the UK including: ·      General legal issues affecting online content creators ·      Young people and contracts and sponsorship deals ·      Social media platforms responsibilities and the Online Safety Act  ·      Challenges when parents involve their children in content creation ·      Cases and laws in USA lto protect young online content creators  When Steve was 10  years old, he said he was geeky and still is! He wanted to be a writer and imagined he would be Batman! References and Resources Steve Kuncewicz  Child Content Creators: What Is Protecting Minors from Exploitation? Teen Vogue article 2023: Influencer Parents and The Kids Who Had Their Childhood Made Into Content UCLA Law Review Child Influencers and Commercial Challenges Kids Law podcasts on other related topics: How can laws protect creative works? How the ICO works to protect children online                            How young people can be protected online NSPCC perspective Does the law control when a child can work and get paid for it? Online Safety Act - what is being done to keep children safe online If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

There are laws which are supposed to protect our environment, but they haven’t stopped pollution and the destruction of the natural world. So, some rivers and forests gave been granted enforceable legal rights to stop this habitat destruction. Alma-Constance and Lucinda discussed this with one of the co-founders of the Lawyers for Nature organisation: Paul Powlesland a barrister at Garden Court Chambers; and he told us: ·      Why Lawyers for Nature was founded ·      How having legal rights gives nature a voice in the legal system ·      About the cases he has been involved with to help local communities protect   their trees ·      The examples from other countries where rivers and nature have been given legal rights  ·      About being the self – appointed guardian of the river Roding in East London ·      Several ways that we can become involved in protecting nature in our communities. References and Resources https://www.lawyersfornature.com/about/ Brontie Ansell David Hunter Paul Powlesland Nature in Court – as Jury OathFaith In Nature   Universal Declaration of River Rights EcoJurisprudence World wide examples Webinar Strategic litigation: how charities can use the law as a force for good Client Earth River Roding Trust     If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!

That's right... the age of criminal responsibility for children in England & Wales is only 10 years old! This is the lowest age in Europe and one of the lowest worldwide. Alma- Constance and Lucinda talk to Kirsty Brimelow KC, an expert in international human rights, public and criminal law and recently elected Vice Chair of the Bar Council for 2025. She explained: How the law of criminal responsibility has come aboutThe sorts of crimes that children are charged withThe impact on the lives of children who are put into the criminal justice systemThe attempts to raise the age of criminal responsibilityAbout the countries which are seen as effective examples in how they approach juvenile justice The role international organisations play in seeking to raise the age When Kirsty was eight she was inspired to think about the importance of fairness and justice in everyday life. References and Resources Kirsty Brimelow KC Kids Law Episode Sir Max Hill KC, 'Can you really become a criminal at 10?'when he was the Director of Public Prosecutions.  Kids Law episode Why are Children’s Rights in Scotland the Strongest in the UK? With Bruce Adamson,when he was the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. Kirsty Brimelow KC Kids Law episode 'Do witches really exist and how do lawyers get involved?' Age of criminal responsibility http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8565619.stm?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://archive.crin.org/en/home/ages.html https://www.unicef.org/eca/reports/systematic-responses-children-under-minimum-age-criminal-responsibility https://www.unicef.org/lac/media/2771/file/PDF%20Minimum%20age%20for%20criminal%20responsibility.pdf If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at [email protected], contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info  or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo  Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.  See you soon in the next episode!