Young peoples experience of law-related events: the role of public legal education

Research published in 2008 by Lisa Wintersteiger, Public Legal Education Network looks at young peoples' need for public legal education, its value in tackling social exclusion and building the practical and emotional skills to improve life-chances.

The negative impact of young people’s lack of awareness of legal right’s and processes is compounded by evidence that age-related factors increase the chances of experiencing a wide range of law-related issues. All too often, even when help is sought, young people are less likely to successfully take advantage of the services available to them and continue to suffer adverse effects such as ill health, or the loss of income or a home.

Read the research: Young people's experience of law - related events: the role of public legal education (124 KB)

Lisa Wintersteiger's paper aims to improve understanding of the need for and value of public legal education amongst young people as an essential component of access to justice. Drawing from studies on the role of public legal education in fostering resilience (understood as the ability to overcome difficulties and persevere in the face of risk and adversity), the findings suggest that public legal education can provide young people with the core emotional and practical skills needed to improve their overall life-chances.

Improving levels of legal capability through the provision of legal education not only means individuals are better equipped to cope with risks and challenges, but are also more able to recognise and take advantage of the opportunities they encounter.

September 2009