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Kids Law

Alma-Constance Denis-Smith and Lucinda Acland

Kids Law

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 es

There are 65 episodes
© Alma-Constance Denis-Smith and Lucinda Acland Episodes: 65 Ages: 6-10, 11plus

Episodes
The most recent appears first.

  • Space Law: Who Makes the Rules Beyond Earth?

    00:25:42 Season 6 Episode 4 30 April 2026 Listened

    // Who makes the rules in space—and what happens when things go wrong?… //

  • Justice Delayed? Courts, Prisons and the Right to a Lawyer Episode

    00:27:23 Season 6 Episode 2 26 March 2026 Listened

    // 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 Atkin… //

  • Who Owns History? The Parthenon Marbles Debate

    00:17:38 Season 6 Episode 1 19 February 2026 Listened

    // 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 … //

  • Kids Law - a listen back at the first 5 years!

    00:32:00 1 February 2026 Listened

    // This episode is a listen back over the past 5 years since we launched the podcast.… //

  • From Participation to Power: Why Children’s Voices Matter

    00:31:03 Season 5 Episode 8 18 December 2025 Listened

    // Want to know how you can influence the decisions that shape your life?… //

  • School Exclusions and Children’s Rights

    00:34:14 Season 5 Episode 7 23 October 2025 Listened

    // 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.… //

  • Escaping Danger: Why People Seek Refuge in Other Countries

    00:33:10 Season 5 Episode 6 4 September 2025 Listened

    // 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:… //

  • Apprentice vs Graduate: Two Paths to Becoming a Solicitor

    00:27:07 Season 5 Episode 5 17 July 2025 Listened

    // Did you know you could train as a solicitor straight from school?… //

  • Can You Smack a Child? What the Law Says in the UK.

    00:23:17 Season 5 Episode 4 5 June 2025 Listened

    // 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 Eng… //

  • Does the law protect young online influencers?

    00:24:04 Season 5 Episode 3 1 May 2025 Listened

    // 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.… //

  • Can rivers and forests have legal rights?

    00:27:37 Season 5 Episode 2 27 March 2025 Listened

    // 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 a… //

  • Did you know that ten year old children can treated as criminals in this country?

    00:30:44 Season 5 Episode 1 27 February 2025 Listened

    // 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 … //

  • A look back at Series 4

    00:06:50 Season 4 Episode 12 29 January 2025 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda look back at Series 4 where they've been talking to people working in the legal system who explain how laws affect us in everyday life, particularly for children and young people. The 12 episodes cover:… //

  • All about Inquiries

    00:22:19 Season 4 Episode 12 18 December 2024 Listened

    // After a major tragedy, public inquiries look at what happened, why it happened, and who is to blame, and what could be done to prevent this happening again.   One of the most notorious is the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry, where many innocent people were fals… //

  • Why is the Old Bailey the most famous criminal court in England and Wales?

    00:24:47 Season 4 Episode 11 14 November 2024 Listened

    // The Old Bailey is the nickname  for the court that hears the most serious criminal cases in England and Wales.… //

  • How does the law impact children when someone dies?

    00:21:10 Season 4 Episode 10 10 October 2024 Listened

    // WARNING: This episode mentions death and dying in the context of the legal implications of death.… //

  • Law, Tech and How It Affects Kids As They Grow Up.

    00:26:12 Season 4 Episode 8 18 September 2024 Listened

    // At the Future Lawyer UK Conference, co-host Alma-Constance interviews Richard Susskind on Law, Tech and How It Affects Kids As They Grow Up.… //

  • Online Safety Act - what is being done to keep children safe online

    00:26:08 Season 4 Episode 9 18 September 2024 Listened

    // 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.… //

  • How can laws protect creative works?

    00:28:46 Season 4 Episode 8 22 July 2024 Listened

    // If you write a song, create music or a fantastic invention, what can you do if someone copies your hard work?… //

  • Do you have to go to court to resolve disputes?

    00:27:30 Season 4 Episode 9 22 April 2024 Listened

    // Going to court can be lengthy, expensive and leave people feeling dissatisfied with the outcome. Alma- Constance and Lucinda speak to Frederick Way who is a Senior Dispute Resolution Consultant, Mediator and Trainer the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution … //

  • What is the role of ethics in law?

    00:23:49 Season 4 Episode 8 19 March 2024 Listened

    // What does ethics mean and why is it so important in the legal system and can it ensure   that lawyers can be trusted?… //

  • A look back at 3 Years of Kids Law!

    00:25:02 13 February 2024 Listened

    // Alma-Constance and Lucinda take a look back at the top 5 episodes over the 3 year lifespan of Kids Law podcast.… //

  • How to practice law without going to university.

    00:22:26 Season 4 Episode 6 6 February 2024 Listened

    // Did you know that you don’t have to go to university to become a lawyer? Some 17,000 people have been trained to become chartered legal executives (CILEX lawyers) who are fully qualified legal professionals.… //

  • How law centres tackle the causes of poverty and inequality in our communities

    00:22:30 Season 4 Episode 4 6 January 2024 Listened

    // Getting legal advice can be very expensive and many people can't afford it. Law centres are based in local communities to give free legal advice and assistance with social welfare problems such as homelessness, advice about welfare benefits and employment and … //

  • What’s the difference between civil liberties and human rights?

    00:26:51 Season 4 Episode 3 1 December 2023 Listened

    // The UK  signed the European Convention on Human Rights, which covers both human rights and civil liberties, and it is part of our law.  But  how are they different?… //

  • Is the King above the law?

    00:22:43 Season 4 Episode 2 6 November 2023 Listened

    // In May 2023, King Charles III was crowned as the new monarch for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Part of his role, every year, the monarch is invited to open the new parliamentary session - and, this November,  King Charles III is opening Parliament f… //

  • How human rights can be used to protect children and promote equality.

    00:26:04 Season 4 Episode 1 10 October 2023 Listened

    // Human rights are for everyone, but some groups do not get access to them equally. Why is this and what can be done?… //

  • What we learnt in Series 3

    00:07:21 Season 3 Episode 12 14 September 2023 Listened

    // In this round up episode, we look back at Series 3 in which we discuss how law affects children and young people and why it's important that we all understand how the legal system works.… //

  • How the ICO works to protect children online

    00:24:20 Season 3 Episode 11 29 July 2023 Listened

    // How are children protected online and who is responsible for enforcing this?… //

  • What does an MP do?

    00:27:46 6 July 2023 Listened

    // What does an MP do when they are in government and in opposition and what is  the role of law in politics.?… //

  • Who gives the government legal advice about its laws?

    00:18:58 Season 3 Episode 10 2 June 2023 Listened

    // MPs vote to create or amend new laws in Parliament but how do they know who gives the government legal advice about the laws it wants to introduce, how they're written and then put into operation.… //

  • Why are Children’s Rights in Scotland the Strongest in the UK?

    00:28:08 24 April 2023 Listened

    // Why has Scotland given children the strongest rights in the UK?… //

  • What is the Rule of Law and why is it important?

    00:28:55 Season 3 Episode 8 27 March 2023 Listened

    // It sounds right that the law should be applied equally to everyone – but what does this mean and what does it need to work properly? Alma- Constance and Lucinda ask Abiodun Michael Olatokun, trustee at the Law for Life Organization, past head of public and you… //

  • Why we have juries and are they a good thing?

    00:28:49 Season 3 Episode 7 1 March 2023 Listened

    // Why we have juries and are they a good thing?… //

  • Who makes the law and what do animal skins have to do with Acts!

    00:29:24 Season 3 Episode 6 9 February 2023 Listened

    // We must obey the law whether we know about it or not!… //

  • When can children consent to medical treatment?

    00:18:31 Season 3 Episode 5 21 January 2023 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda ask about when children can make decisions about medical treatment and why sometimes a court is involved. They talk to Imogen Goold, Professor of Medical Law at St Anne's College Oxford university and Gresham visitin… //

  • What is a constitution and how does it work?

    00:21:02 Season 3 Episode 4 22 December 2022 Listened

    // How does our the constitution work to controls those with power over citizens and make sure governments act properly? Alma-Constance and Lucinda  talk to leading human rights barrister, Adam Wagner of Doughty Street Chambers who he has written a new book calle… //

  • Why it is important to challenge organisations with power

    00:25:36 Season 3 Episode 3 9 November 2022 Listened

    // **WARNING – this episodes mentions the Manchester bomb attack, self-harm and death in the context of inquests**… //

  • How young people can be protected online

    00:27:23 Season 3 Episode 2 11 October 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma- Constance and Lucinda want to know more about the risks that children face online, and how they can be protected when they use the internet.… //

  • How laws can protect the impact of the internet on our thoughts and views

    00:17:24 Season 3 Episode 1 6 September 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma- Constance and Lucinda discuss the role of the internet and how it can affect the way we think and how laws can protect the way we can express our thoughts and views online.… //

  • What we learnt in Series 2

    00:05:46 Season 2 Episode 13 14 June 2022 Listened

    // In this short round up episode , we look back on what we have learnt in Series 2 about how law affects children and young people and why it's important that we understand how the legal system works. We have discussed:… //

  • How the law affects children and criminal gangs.

    00:20:39 Season 2 Episode 12 9 May 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma- Constance and Lucinda talk to Sarah Forshaw QC, an experienced specialist criminal barrister who is the co-head of chambers at 5 King's Bench Walk in London, about the law relating to children and gangs.… //

  • All about the work of tribunals

    00:21:45 Season 2 Episode 11 4 April 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda hear more about the important work of tribunals which is a dispute resolution system designed to be easier, quicker, cheaper and less formal than using courts.… //

  • The role of solicitors - I.Stephanie Boyce

    00:17:20 Season 2 Episode 10 4 March 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma- Constance and Lucinda learn more about solicitors, their work and role in the legal system. They speak to I. Stephanie Boyce, who is the President of the Law Society of England and Wales, which represents over 200,000 solicitors.… //

  • All rise in the Crown Court!

    00:25:46 Season 2 Episode 9 14 February 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma- Constance and Lucinda learn more about the work of judges and juries in the crown court. They speak to Her Honour Judge Deborah Taylor, who is the Resident Judge at Southwark Crown Court in London, which is the fourth largest in the coun… //

  • What do magistrates do?

    00:25:00 Season 2 Episode 8 17 January 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma- Constance and Lucinda hear more about the important work of magistrates as about 95 % of cases are heard before ordinary people in Magistrates' Courts and these magistrates make up 85% of the judiciary in England and Wales, who sit in cr… //

  • All about barristers - Derek Sweeting QC

    00:21:37 Season 2 Episode 7 24 December 2021 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda find out what a barrister does and talk to  Derek Sweeting QC, President of the Bar Council 2021 who is now a High Court Judge in the Queen’s Bench Division and a Recorder in the Crown and County Courts.… //

  • Who banned Christmas? Special episode

    00:21:47 Season 2 Episode 6 20 December 2021 Listened

    // In this special Christmas episode Alma-Constance and Lucinda find out if there are any laws that affect Christmas.  We talk to Russell Sandberg, Professor of Law at the School of Law and Politics at Cardiff University in Wales, who has a particular interest in… //

  • The High Court and how judges are appointed

    00:20:33 Season 2 Episode 5 9 December 2021 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda talk to the Honourable Mrs Justice Joanna Smith DBE, a High Court Judge, to ask her about the cases that are heard in the High Court and how judges are appointed to the High Court. We discuss:… //

  • What happens in the House of Lords?

    00:27:39 Season 2 Episode 4 11 November 2021 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda talk to David Anderson, QC Baron Anderson of Ipswich KBE, a barrister and life peer, who is a member of the House of Lords.… //

  • Do witches really exist and how do lawyers get involved?

    00:23:06 Season 2 Episode 3 28 October 2021 Listened

    // A Hallowe'en Special!… //

  • The Supreme Court and why is it important in our justice system.

    00:16:52 Season 2 Episode 2 7 October 2021 Listened

    // In this episode , Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to a judge of the Supreme Court, Lord Stephens of Creevyloughgare who worked as a judge in Northern Ireland before joining the Supreme Court in 2020.… //

  • How does the court system work and what do judges do?

    00:18:22 Season 2 Episode 1 9 September 2021 Listened

    // Welcome to Series 2 of the Kids Law Podcast!… //

  • What we learnt in Series 1

    00:06:32 Season 1 Episode 11 19 August 2021 Listened

    // In this short round up, we look back on everything we have learnt in Series 1, and all the questions still left to ask our guests in future series!… //

  • Does Parliament take the voices of children into account when it makes new laws?

    00:15:06 Season 1 Episode 10 12 August 2021 Listened

    // In our tenth and final episode of Series 1, Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Darren Jones, the MP for Bristol North West, about his job as a Member of Parliament.… //

  • When does a child end up in foster care?

    00:20:03 Season 1 Episode 9 15 July 2021 Listened

    // In this episode, Alma-Constance talks to MP Edward Timpson CBE about his experience and knowledge of the foster care system in the UK. Ed is the MP for Eddisbury and was a family law barrister in Cheshire before joining the Conservative Party and serving as th… //

  • Why do we need a criminal justice system?

    00:18:04 Season 1 Episode 8 10 June 2021 Listened

    // In our eighth episode, Alma-Constance tells Lucinda that she was shocked to find out that she has reached the age of criminal responsibility at just 10 years old and wanted to find out why we need a criminal justice system and how does it affect children.  The… //

  • Does the law control when a child can work and get paid for it?

    00:17:27 Season 1 Episode 7 13 May 2021 Listened

    // In our latest episode Alma-Constance and Lucinda tackle another big topic - children and work.… //

  • When and how do the police get involved in the lives of children?

    00:19:05 Season 1 Episode 6 19 April 2021 Listened

    // When Alma-Constance discussed the age of criminal responsibility starting at 10 years old in England and Wales with DPP director Max Hill QC (in our episode 2), Max talked about the police investigating when people commit crimes. Alma-Constance was curious to … //

  • What happens to children when parents split up?

    00:16:01 Season 1 Episode 5 11 March 2021 Listened

    // In our fifth episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda take a look at the difficult situation of when parents split up. Alma-Constance talks to  Charlotte Bradley, who is a partner and Head of  the Family Law department in a firm of solicitors called Kingsley Napley… //

  • What is Justice?

    00:14:55 Season 1 Episode 4 1 March 2021 Listened

    // Every year there is a justice week - and this year in 2021 it is in the first week of March. The purpose of Justice Week is to help people understand their rights and responsibilities, and how laws are made and changed.… //

  • Can you really become a criminal at 10?

    00:25:15 Season 1 Episode 3 11 February 2021 Listened

    // In our third episode, Alma-Constance tells Lucinda that she was shocked to find out that when she turns 10 years old, she reaches the age of criminal responsibility.… //

  • What are children allowed to do under Covid 19 Laws?

    00:14:56 Season 1 Episode 2 1 February 2021 Listened

    // In our second episode,  nine year old Alma-Constance quizzes leading human rights barrister, Adam Wagner of Doughty Street Chambers about  the current Covid 19 laws and  how she can celebrate her upcoming birthday; what the laws mean for children whose parents… //

  • Does the law ensure the voices of children are heard?

    00:10:25 Season 1 Episode 1 10 January 2021 Listened

    // In our first episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda Acland talk to Lady Brenda Hale about how laws are made and how they are used to help children, when when adults are arguing and children are caught in the middle.… //

  • Welcome to Kids Law!

    00:01:52 Season 1 31 December 2020 Listened

    // Welcome to our KidsLaw podcast, where we discuss children and the laws that affect them as they grow up. In each  monthly episode, your hosts, Alma-Constance Denis-Smith and Lucinda Acland talk to people whose job it is to help and protect children and  discus… //

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