Michael Freeman Hamlyn Lecture 2015

Speaker: Michael Freeman

Chair: Lord Justice McFarlane

Title: Even Lawyers Were Children Once

In this lecture the question will be posed as to whether a good childhood requires a framework such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Is this what lawyers remembering their own childhood would have wanted? The values supporting rights for children, such as dignity, respect and equality, will be examined as will the principles and some of the main norms. The view will be presented that the Convention is a great achievement but only a beginning. The lecture will conclude with an exploration of what citizenship for children would involve. Are votes for children the right answer? Or just a diversionary tactic? Has the time come to rethink children's rights? How relevant are children's views as to the reforms needed?

Reception to follow