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!

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!

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 justice
• Why legal aid is such an important public service
• How early legal advice can prevent problems in areas like housing and family life
• Whether the age of criminal responsibility should be raised
• The importance of investing in courts, lawyers and modern technology

Richard 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!