Skip to main content

Distributed for Athabasca University Press

The Law is (Not) for Kids

A Legal Rights Guide for Canadian Children and Teens

Revised, Updated

An updated edition of an essential resource supporting children’s legal rights.

“Since its publication in 2019, this important and practical guide to the law has empowered and educated Canadian children and youth and those who serve them…This revised and updated edition reflects the progress that has occurred in Indigenous child welfare legislation.” —Canadian Children's Book News

In this practical guide to the law for young people of Canada, Ned Lecic and Marvin Zuker provide an all-encompassing manual meant to empower and educate children and youth, and those that serve them. The authors address questions about how rights and laws affect the lives of young people at home, at school, at work, and in their relationships, as they draw attention to the many ways in which a person’s life can intersect with the law. Deliberately refraining from taking a moral approach, the authors instead advocate for the rights of children and provide examples of how young people can get their legal rights enforced. In addition to being critical information for youth about citizenship, The Law is (Not) for Kids is a valuable resource for teachers, counselors, lawyers, and all those who support youth in their encounters with the law.

328 pages | 5 x 8 | © 2023

Law and Legal Studies: General Legal Studies


Reviews

"The Law Is (Not) for Kids will serve as an excellent resource in the classroom, particularly for high school students passionate about legal activism and anyone interested in a future in law." 

Canadian Children’s Book News

"The Law Is (Not) for Kids deserves a place in any high school library’s circulating collection and its reference shelves." 

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"An invaluable resource not only for parents, counsellors, and educators but also for lawyers, judges, and others who support youth involved in the Canadian legal system. Legislation, conventions, charters, and court cases, along with useful resources, make this book impressive." 

The Lawyer's Daily

"Written for youth and children, this practical guide to the legal rights of minors aims to be 'a trustworthy source of information' on everything from children’s rights if parents divorce, to what to do if you (a minor) feel treated unfairly at school, work or elsewhere, to what can happen and what to do if you’re arrested. Clearly written, with fascinating sidebar stories, this is an essential book for young citizens." 

Alberta Views

"The Law is (Not) for Kids emphasizes, now more than ever, children and youth should become familiar with their rights and develop tools and resources to support these rights. Lecic and Zuker demonstrate that children and youth should be invited to the table and included in conversations about their wellbeing and rights. This book is a key source in preparing young people for this endeavour and encouraging more young people to share their perspectives with adults who understand the importance of youth inclusion and listening." 

Canadian Criminal Justice Association

Table of Contents

Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
1 Introduction to the Law and Your Rights
2 Being a Minor
3 Being Your Parents’ Child
4 Going to School
5 Going to Work
6 Love, Sex, and Marriage
7 Child and Family Services
8 Being in Conflict with the Law
9 Fighting for Your Rights
Appendix A: Glossary of Legal Terms
Appendix B: How a Bill Becomes Law
Appendix C: Links to Useful Resources
Appendix D: Legislation, Conventions, Charters, and Court Cases

Be the first to know

Get the latest updates on new releases, special offers, and media highlights when you subscribe to our email lists!

Sign up here for updates about the Press