You and the law
The ‘law’ is the set of rules by which our society manages itself, and these are designed to help and protect you and your family. There are national laws and local by-laws.
As far as young people are concerned there are national laws that say how old you have to be before you can drink alcohol, smoke, drive a car, have sex, get married, do certain jobs, vote in a local or general election.
You may not feel it’s the case but these laws are designed to give you protection and to stop you being exploited!
Seen a crime? Been in trouble?
Fearless introduces young people to the service provided by Crimestoppers. Fearless gives you information about crimes that affect young people, and also the chance to pass on information about crime anonymously.
Crimestoppers is an independent charity who you can call anonymously on 0800 555 111 to pass on information about crime.
If you’ve got yourself into trouble you might find that the YOT (Youth Offending Team) is involved in helping you; their website tells you more about how they’ll help and support you.
Tameside Youth Offending Team
31 Clarence Arcade
Stamford Street
Ashton under Lyne OL6 7PT
0161 342 7680
Legal rights
If you are suspected of a crime the police have the right to:
- stop and search you
- arrest you and take you to the police station
- confiscate your belongings (these must be recorded and bagged in front of you)
- keep you at the station for up to 24 hours
- question you.
You have the right to:
- be searched by an officer of the same sex
- refuse to go to the station if you are not under arrest
- tell someone you are there
- say nothing.
You are also entitled to free legal advice and you may be accompanied by an adult if you are under 17.
For more information see Directgov.
Consumer rights
As a consumer you should:
- check that the product you are buying matches its description
- check that the product does what it claims to do
- use the product only for its proper purpose
- keep the receipt so you can prove where and when you bought it.
The retailer must:
- be honest about describing the product
- make sure the product does as is claimed
- tell you of any fault if the product is damaged.
See Consumer Direct for more information
Other useful sites:
- Getting legal advice and legal aid: see Directgov
- Children's Legal Centre's website - Lawstuff
- For information on help with civil law (eg social problems such as relationship breakdown, debt, housing, domestic violence, benefits, asylum and immigration, education, employment, mental health and community care issues) visit Community Legal Service or telephone 0845 3454345.
There are also rules called ‘local by-laws’ which are determined by the local authority, and these for example will say what sort of part time jobs you can do while you are still at school. To find out more you’ll need to contact the local authority.
Advice Guide has useful help on all matters.
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. Go to Law weblinx for more useful websites.