Law Society backs initiative to introduce the law to young learners
The Law Society is supporting education charity Young Citizens’ campaign The Big Legal Lesson to introduce the law and justice system to thousands of children and young people across England and Wales.
Young Citizens research shows just one in 10 (13%) students had received a lesson on the law by the time they reached A-Levels. The campaign is calling on legal professionals to volunteer to deliver The Big Legal Lesson in a local school, giving children and young people a unique insight into the sector.
Running from the 11th to the 22nd March 2024, The Big Legal Lesson will provide school teachers with free resources to start conversations about the law, rights and responsibilities. The resource packs will include age-appropriate lesson plans exploring what the law is, who has the power to change the law, and how these changes affect our daily lives.
Nick Emmerson, president of The Law Society, said: “Ensuring young learners know their rights and responsibilities, whilst respecting the Rule of Law, is vital to securing access to justice for all.
"Whether or not they go on to practice law, The Big Legal Lesson is a fantastic opportunity for pupils and students to understand how our justice system works and why it matters to them. The Law Society is delighted to support this Young Citizens initiative, which we know will make a huge impact on young people, teachers and legal professionals alike.”
Sherine Krause, interim executive director of Young Citizens, said: “I am delighted to see The Big Legal Lesson return in 2024. At Young Citizens, we believe that all children and young people should understand their rights, responsibilities and the rule of law, whether or not they pursue a career in the legal sector.
"With the support of Mishcon de Reya, we know this year's campaign will once again light the spark of legal literacy for thousands of learners across England and Wales.”
Notes to editors
• The Big Legal Lesson is in its fifth year and has reached more than 200,000 learners from ages 5-18, making it the biggest public legal education event of its kind. Law for Life research shows that almost two-thirds of the UK don’t know their basic legal rights and called for more robust provision of legal education.
• You can follow the campaign and school engagement on social media using #TheBigLegalLesson.
• For further information about The Big Legal Lesson or further comment, please contact Oliver Walkden, oliver.walkden@youngcitizens.org, on 020 7566 4141.
About Young Citizens
Young Citizens is a national charity lighting the spark of active citizenship in the next generation. Established in 1989, it delivers skills, knowledge and enrichment to over half a million children each year through a dynamic range topical classroom resources and immersive learning experiences. Their team of education experts works to equip young minds with the confidence to shape both local communities and powerful systems. They do this by mobilising teachers, professionals and policy makers to transfer expertise to the people who need it most, making complex current affairs accessible to all. Ultimately, they want to see a thriving, inclusive and youth-led democracy. www.youngcitizens.org
About the Law Society
The Law Society is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.
Press office contact: Peggy Papakosta | 020 8049 4171