Kids Law

Alma-Constance Denis-Smith and Lucinda Acland

This is a podcast about children and the laws that affect them as they grow up. Alma-Constance, our host, decided to start the podcast in 2021, when she turned 10 years old. Living in England, UK, she discovered that at 10 years old she would have reached the age of criminal responsibility. This is one of the youngest ages of criminalising children in the developed world. That was a pretty shocking discovery for her especially as she realised that she and her peers knew nothing about what this meant in practice and how it can affected children and their families. With the help of Lucinda Acland, a lawyer, and supported by Next 100 Years, they set out to ask some questions of leading experts to help children make sense of it all. There are a lot of laws that affect #children as they grow up and they are confusing and complicated and can affect all aspects of their day-to-day life from #education to online protections or at home, if families break up. It is difficult to keep track and understand the laws and how they impact a child's life. Alma-Constance is determined to help #TeachKidsLaw at a much younger age to help them grow up into adults confident with their legal knowledge. Understanding how the law works and being able to understand complex concepts of #justice and #ruleoflaw will help anyone as they try to navigate their lives. You can email us: kidslaw@spark21.org or reach us on social media channels and our www.kidslaw.info website. 

  1. Who protects the courts and the rule of law?

    1 day ago

    Who protects the courts and the rule of law?

    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 kidslaw@spark21.org, 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!

    24 min
  2. Space Law: Who Makes the Rules Beyond Earth?

    30 Apr

    Space Law: Who Makes the Rules Beyond Earth?

    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 kidslaw@spark21.org, 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!

    26 min
  3. Justice Delayed? Courts, Prisons and the Right to a Lawyer Episode

    26 Mar

    Justice Delayed? Courts, Prisons and the Right to a Lawyer 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 kidslaw@spark21.org, 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!

    27 min
  4. Who Owns History? The Parthenon Marbles Debate

    19 Feb

    Who Owns History? The Parthenon Marbles Debate

    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 kidslaw@spark21.org, 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!

    18 min
  5. From Participation to Power: Why Children’s Voices Matter

    18/12/2025

    From Participation to Power: Why Children’s Voices Matter

    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 kidslaw@spark21.org, 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!

    31 min
  6. School Exclusions and Children’s Rights

    23/10/2025

    School Exclusions and Children’s Rights

    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 kidslaw@spark21.org, 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!

    34 min
  7. Escaping Danger: Why People Seek Refuge in Other Countries

    04/09/2025

    Escaping Danger: Why People Seek Refuge in Other Countries

    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 kidslaw@spark21.org, 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!

    33 min
4.7
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

This is a podcast about children and the laws that affect them as they grow up. Alma-Constance, our host, decided to start the podcast in 2021, when she turned 10 years old. Living in England, UK, she discovered that at 10 years old she would have reached the age of criminal responsibility. This is one of the youngest ages of criminalising children in the developed world. That was a pretty shocking discovery for her especially as she realised that she and her peers knew nothing about what this meant in practice and how it can affected children and their families. With the help of Lucinda Acland, a lawyer, and supported by Next 100 Years, they set out to ask some questions of leading experts to help children make sense of it all. There are a lot of laws that affect #children as they grow up and they are confusing and complicated and can affect all aspects of their day-to-day life from #education to online protections or at home, if families break up. It is difficult to keep track and understand the laws and how they impact a child's life. Alma-Constance is determined to help #TeachKidsLaw at a much younger age to help them grow up into adults confident with their legal knowledge. Understanding how the law works and being able to understand complex concepts of #justice and #ruleoflaw will help anyone as they try to navigate their lives. You can email us: kidslaw@spark21.org or reach us on social media channels and our www.kidslaw.info website.