Your Rights and The Law

Do you know what your rights are and what you are allowed and aren't allowed to do at your age? In this section, you'll find out at what age you are legally allowed to do certain things, your consumer rights, police and the law and Citizenship.

Citizenship

As a UK citizen, you have certain responsibilities, such as keeping to the law. You also have rights to certain things such as free state education, healthcare, and the right to have your say on things that are happening locally and nationally.

Every young person can make their views heard and vote to change things. One way to do it is by taking part in youth councils and committees. You could take it a step further and represent other young people by becoming a member of the UK Youth Parliament.

You can get more information about citizenship and what it means from Directgov

At What Age?

Age and maturity are not the same thing, but it's useful to know how old you need to be to do certain things. For an overview of some of them, have a look at this page here.

Police and the Law

The law is basically a set of rules designed to protect us all and to help us to live together happily and safely. It tells us what everyone is allowed to do and what we aren't. Anyone who chooses to break the law can expect some form of punishment.

The law covers all aspects of life, including laws about carrying guns or knives, criminal damage and theft.

Whether you have or haven't committed a crime, you could find yourself coming into contact with the police. To find out what your rights are visit:

• http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/CrimeAndJustice/index.htm

Consumer Rights

By knowing your consumer rights you can help make sure you won't get ripped off when spending your hard earned cash. What you need to know:

• When you buy something in a shop or market, you and the seller are making a legal contract.
• According to the law, the goods must be of a satisfactory quality and be safe, fit for the purpose you are buying them for and be as they are described by the seller or on the label or sign.
• The item must not be damaged unless this is pointed out by the seller at the time you bought the item.
• If you buy something in a sale your rights are the same, but sale goods can be sold with a defect. If this has been pointed out, you cannot ask for a refund.
• If you buy second hand goods you have the same rights as when buying new goods unless a fault is obvious or is pointed out to you at the time.

You can get more information about your consumer rights from Directgov.

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Citizens Advice Bureau (or CAB, for short) helps thousands of people every year by giving them practical, independent and impartial advice. Contact your local CAB:

• Brackley – 5 Market House Courtyard: 08444 111 444
• Daventry – The Abbey: 0844 855 2122
• Kettering – 5 Horse Market: 0844 855 2122
• Corby – Deene House: 01536 265501
• Northampton – 7/8 Mercers Road: 0844 855 2122
• Nene Valley – Wellingborough High Street: 0844 855 2122

Equal Opportunities

Regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexuality or disability, everyone is entitled to be treated equally.

Discrimination is when a person is treated differently to other people in a similar situation, for no real reason.

As a young person you have the right to:

• be treated fairly;
• feel safe;
• privacy;
• say what you think and be listened to on all matters that affect you;
• be treated with respect; and
• be protected from discrimination whatever you race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability.

Find out more from the Equality and Human Rights Commission www.equalityhumanrights.com