A framework for developing children’s legal capability

In this paper we introduce a framework for developing children’s legal capability. This is the outcome of an extended period of interdisciplinary research, reflection, and discussion to explore the question of ‘what does a legally capable child look like’? Initially this question was explored within the context of adult-focused legal capability literature, and we explain how the framework we propose in this paper has been informed by this scholarship. However, we go on to demonstrate how our work breaks new ground not only because of its focus on children, but because we radically reconceptualise legal capability, drawing on a range of interdisciplinary theories. Within the framework we introduce the concept of ‘baseline’ legal capability, and we argue this addresses the conundrum we identify in the literature, where legal capability is conceptualised as something which those most in need of effective public legal education can never achieve. More generally, we demonstrate how the framework turns traditional ideas about legal education upside down as we ‘decenter’ the law and legal institutions, and instead place the learner at its core.