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In Their Defence
Aika Stephenson, Emma Donnan
Extent: 272 pages
Size: 216x135mm
Publication Date: 25/04/2024
Price: £16.99
ISBN: 9781789294873
Categories:
About the Book
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.
Publication Date: 25/04/2024
Price: £5.99
ISBN: 9781789294897
Categories:
About the Book
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.
Reviews
- '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
- '‘In a shocking indictment of our lack of justice, this timely book tells you why no child is immune from arrest or conviction and what needs to change, now. A vitally important call to action.’', Yvonne Roberts, journalist, writer and broadcaster