The Importance of Law - an 18 Year Old’s Bird’s Eye View
It is clear to everyone how important the Law is throughout our the whole of our lives, however, when you are young you don’t realise how just much it really does impact your life. Turning 18 is a pivotal point in your life you gain so much freedom but along with that freedom comes responsibility.
When you’re a teenager who is restricted because your Mum or Dad say ‘No, you can’t go there or you can’t do that, until you’re 18’. We question, we challenge and often we don’t really understand why we are so limited.
And then you turn 18 and everything changes because so many doors that open - the freedom to go out late (or not - consider Lockdown), buy alcohol, get a tattoo, without that restriction from your parents.
Great! Freedom, but on the other hand, you are now classified as an adult in the eyes of the Law and therefore, now responsible for your own actions. This means acting appropriately and responsibly, there are expectations as you can no longer say that you are a child. You have to be accountable for yourself and even sometimes others.
Freedom actually starts at the age of 17 and being able to start driving lessons, get your licence, drive to see friends and generally to get to go out on your own without having to rely on parents and it is this sense of independence is a feeling that is unmatched. However, you also follow the law whilst driving, for example, not speeding, abiding by the traffic signals and having respect for other drivers on the road. If you don’t follow these rules, there are consequences. The law is subconsciously engrained on your mind to keep you and other members of society safe.
The responsibility you gain come through the Law such as Voting. The ability to vote is a hugely important to society because finally we are able to actually have a say in how our country is run. The Electoral Administration Act of 2006 allowed people of the age 18 to be able to vote in elections. We wait all our lives to have this opportunity as especially in secondary school when we take more interest in the Government and how Laws are made, how they affect our everyday lives, as throughout my time at school we would always have mock elections run by a sixth form politics student representing each party. This experience help set me up for the consideration of all parties and their policies when having to put in my vote.
Not long after you turn 18 going to university or getting a job becomes an option. And of course, there is a lot to look forward to - furthering your career, making new friends, making your own decisions, living alone, and going to parties. But there are also important laws in place such as consumer laws and regulations governing the relationship between the University and undergraduates, all put in place as it enables students and the university to work within the boundaries that are set. Not many people going to university may not know these laws are in place to protect them but are very important to know.
These laws ensure that the universities have to provide upfront and clear information, terms and conditions have to be fairly balanced and that universities have to make sure handling and processing complaints are clear and fair to students. The same applies to work. There are similarities to being at school - turning up on time, being appropriately dressed, following rules, but there is a major difference - the legislation that applies to the place of work differs greatly. Yes, there are laws that apply to children under the age of 18 and education, however, all of a sudden, the legislation applies directly to you. It can be quite over-whelming.
Overall, the law, without most 18 year olds being aware, opens up a completely new world that very few young people are aware of.
Alyssia Sableski - Intern