In Their Defence

Fighting for Youth Justice One Child at a Time

Aika Stephenson (Just for Kids Law)

$32.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Michael O'Mara Books Ltd
05 June 2024

International criminal law; Juvenile criminal law

Using real-life case studies this important book from a leading youth justice expert uncovers the shocking failures in our legal system that are impacting on the lives of so many of our young people.

No new parent expects their offspring’s childhood to be tainted by arrest or conviction. That only happens to other people’s kids, right? Wrong. In this compelling book, written by one of Britain’s top experts in youth justice, Aika Stephenson reveals the extraordinary cases she deals with daily. From the obviously vulnerable to the A-grade student from a stable upbringing, Just for Kids Law, the campaigning charity co-founded by Stephenson in 2007, has helped thousands of children and young people overcome the difficulties they face.

Aika says: ‘Every day in my job is an adventure, a battle for justice, heart-breaking, and a joy. But very few people truly understand the law that dictates the lives of our young people, and I want to share that with the public – both the heart-warming successes and the shocking failures of the system.'

From playground mischief to issues with immigration status, from housing to those facing years behind bars for a crime their friend committed, this book lays bare what really goes on behind the scenes, from the police station through to the young offenders’ institution and everything in between. It is an important and revelatory book that confronts the issues that face all young people today.

By: Aika Stephenson (Just for Kids Law)
Imprint: Michael O'Mara Books Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 135mm, Spine: 21mm
Weight: 380g
ISBN: 9781789294873
ISBN 10: 1789294878
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 05 June 2024
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Aika Stephenson co-founded Just for Kids Law – a charity dedicated to providing legal representation and advice to young people as well as fighting for reform on a wider level – in 2006. She is a solicitor and youth justice expert with years of experience representing young people in criminal proceedings and particularly those with special educational needs. She heads up the charity’s criminal arm and has won numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Criminal Defence Lawyer of the Year at the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards, 2018.

Reviews for In Their Defence: Fighting for Youth Justice One Child at a Time

Aika is a force of nature. She has worked relentlessly with young people who have faced the worst abuses in society, while using the weapon of the law to fight their corner. We should all listen to what she has to say if we care about the UK. -- Martha Lane Fox ‘This should be required reading for government ministers, civil servants and all policy advisers on youth justice. Justice should not only depend upon the dedication of individuals and charities. The best interests of the child and the best interests of society require a youth justice system fit for purpose. -- Professor Emerita Geraldine Van Bueren KC Award-winning legal expert Aika Stephenson’s book shines a spotlight on the treatment of many children and young people caught up in the UK’s criminal justice system and provides a rallying call for systemic change that will benefit them all so they can thrive. -- Grant Gordon OBE, Chair Ethos Foundation An authoritative, important and timely book about our broken youth justice system. Essential reading for everyone concerned about creating a fairer world for young people in trouble with the law. -- Mike Dickson, author of Our Generous Gene