Your rights

The law can affect us in different ways but it should protect us from crime, discrimination and exploitation. This section tells you how to stay within the law and stand up for your rights.

Police and Crime

Police and Courts

Whether you have or haven’t committed a crime you could find yourself coming into contact with police and courts.

Find out more about young people’s rights in relation to police and crime  from the Direct.gov website

Youth Offending Service (YOS)

The Youth Offending Service exists to try to stop young people from breaking the law. If you receive a Final Warning or have to attend court, you will be given a YOS worker who will support you, make sure that you attend court and comply with any sentence or order and help you to avoid getting into trouble with the police again.

Victims of Crime

If you are the victim of a crime you may have a whole range of feelings from fear to anger, stress, anxiety and even guilt. Whatever your situation – there are organisations and people who can help you to get through it.

Call the Victim Support Helpline 0845 30 30 900 for free and confidential help and advice or go to the Victim Support website

You as a Citizen

We all have both rights and responsibilities as citizens.

From the age of 18 you can vote in elections for local councils, the UK parliament and the European parliament to make your voice heard on issues that matter to you.

Under 18s can make their voice heard through other methods such as the UK Youth Parliament or British Youth Council

Find out more about voting on the Direct.gov website

Discrimination and Equal Opportunities

Discrimination means that you are being treated unfairly due to someone else’s prejudices. You have rights not to be discriminated against under the law.

Discrimination law exists to protect against various types of discrimination on grounds such as gender; race; disability; sexual orientation; religion or beliefs; and age.

Find out more about discrimination and your rights from the Direct.gov website

The Equality and Human Rights Commission exists to tackle discrimination and promote equality. Visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission website to find out more.

Age and the Law

There are lots of different legal age limits for things. Age limits usually exist to protect young people from harm and exploitation.

Find out what is legal at different ages from the Lawstuff website

You as a consumer

When you buy something the law gives you certain rights. Where you buy it and how you pay for it can affect your rights.

You also have consumer rights when you buy services such as insurance or a phone contract.

Find out more about your consumer rights on the Direct.gov website

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