Fortin's Children's Rights and the Developing Law

Children's rights are increasingly recognized, but not always implemented in practice. Fortin's Children's Rights and the Developing Law examines how law and policy in England promote or undermine these rights, using current research on child development and welfare. It measures progress against domestic law and international obligations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 792 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The notion that children constitute an essential group of rights holders has gained widespread acceptance both domestically and internationally. However, this rhetorical commitment to children's rights is not always reflected in practical reality. Fortin's Children's Rights and the Developing Law, now in its fourth edition, delves into the extent to which law and policy in England promote or undermine the rights of children. This textbook has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the latest research on child development and welfare. It examines how well the law fulfills children's rights in various areas, such as medical law, education, and child poverty. These developments are measured against both domestic law and the UK's international obligations under various international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The book begins by exploring the historical and legal context of children's rights, including the evolution of international and domestic legal frameworks. It then examines the specific rights of children, such as the right to life, the right to education, the right to health, and the right to protection from abuse and exploitation. The book also discusses the challenges that children face in realizing their rights, such as discrimination, poverty, and violence.

Throughout the text, Fortin employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from law, psychology, sociology, and other fields to analyze the issues surrounding children's rights. The book is well-organized and accessible, with each chapter providing a clear summary of the key points and a list of further readings for those who wish to explore the topic in greater depth.

One of the strengths of Fortin's book is its emphasis on the practical implications of children's rights. It highlights the importance of legal and policy reforms to ensure that children's rights are protected and promoted. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal and policy frameworks in England and the United Kingdom, and it offers practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to improve the lives of children.

Another notable feature of the book is its focus on the role of children in shaping law and policy. It recognizes that children are not passive recipients of rights but active agents who can contribute to the development of their own futures. The book encourages children to be involved in decision-making processes and to advocate for their own rights.

In conclusion, Fortin's Children's Rights and the Developing Law is a valuable resource for anyone interested in children's rights. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the issues surrounding children's rights, and it offers practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to improve the lives of children. The book is a must-read for students, researchers, policymakers, and anyone who cares about the well-being and future of children.

Weight: 1530g
Dimension: 250 x 177 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108426961
Edition number: 4 Revised edition