The jurisdiction of England and Wales has one of the highest numbers of children in detention across Western Europe, and is one of the few jurisdictions in Europe that still has mandatory life sentences for children. Given the frequency and severity of punitive measures levied towards children in England and Wales, it is all the more important that children are adequately represented in sentencing and appeal processes. However, whether this is a reality is a question that Elysia Boon explores in this episode with Dr Laura Janes.

Dr Janes is a consultant solicitor at GT Stewart Solicitors and Scott-Moncrieff and Associates. She specialises in prison law, criminal appeals, mental health law and public law, with a particular focus on representing children, youth and vulnerable people in detention both in penal and mental health settings. She is also the founder of Young Legal Aid Lawyers, holds a professional doctorate in youth justice, and teaches at the London South Bank University. Most recently, she was appointed honorary King’s Council!

Publications and cases referenced/drawn from:

ZA v R [2023] EWCA Crim 596

R v S [2010] EWCA Crim 1462

Children Convicted of Sexual Offences: Do Lifelong Labels Really Help? (The Howard Journal Vol 50 No 2. May 2011)

JF & Anor, R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2009] EWCA Civ 792

Child appeals (Solicitors Journal: Justice Gap series, 2012)

R (on the application of M) v Chief Magistrate [2010] EWHC 433

Episode ID: 1000713265423

GUID: 468d7cb7-bc7e-498b-a800-43c7a4979987

Release Date: 17/06/2025, 20:43:27