On the 6th of March Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, joined lawyers from the Government Legal Department (GLD) to teach students from Pimlico Academy about the law, as part of Young Citizens Legal Experts in Schools programme.
The aim of Legal Experts in Schools is to increase young people’s awareness and understanding of the law, whilst also developing listening and communication skills and raising aspirations and confidence.
The sessions on the 6th of March focused on ‘Youth Justice’, which outlines some of the simpler aspects of the law relating to young people and criminal behaviour, and ‘Applying the Law’ which looks at applying the law in practice.
The Solicitor joined government lawyers to discuss, with the students, the general procedures surrounding arrest and questioning of young people by the police. The groups also discussed how young people should be treated by the police, and the courts, in various different scenarios and the possible outcomes they might have.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Solicitor General said:
“Young people who know about the law are more aware of their rights and responsibilities which can range from knowing whether you’re entitled to a refund in a shop or whether you’ve been a victim of discrimination.
“The sessions are valuable in helping them develop a legal foundation which they will be able to use throughout their lives. Public legal education can have a practical and beneficial effect on young people’s lives, as well as having a positive effect on our legal system.”
Tom Franklin, Chief Executive of Young Citizens said:
“The law touches everyone’s lives. It’s vital that every young person learns the basics of how the law works – to know their rights and responsibilities, but also to take an active part in society, as citizens. Young Citizens’ Legal Experts in Schools programme involves pupils meeting lawyers, often for the first time, to discuss how the law works.
“It’s fantastic to have the support of the Solicitor General for this programme. It will help the pupils to see the connection between democracy, the rule of law within society, and their own individual rights and responsibilities.”