Review: Children and Young People

Fill in the blank: In New South Wales, 'young people' are persons aged between ____ and ____ years.

Answer explanation

In New South Wales, 'young people' are defined as individuals aged between 0 and 24 years. Therefore, the correct answer is 0, as it includes all ages starting from birth.

Fill in the blank: The term 'doli incapax' refers to the presumption that a child under ____ years of age cannot be held legally responsible for their actions and cannot be guilty of a criminal or civil offence.

Answer explanation

The term 'doli incapax' indicates that a child under 10 years of age is presumed incapable of committing a crime. Therefore, the correct answer is 10, as children below this age cannot be held legally responsible.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), anyone under the age of ____ is a child unless the national law specifies an earlier age.

• 16

• 18

• 21

• 10

Answer explanation

According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18, unless national law specifies an earlier age. Therefore, the correct answer is 18.

Which of the following is NOT one of the intended purposes of laws treating children and young people differently from adults?

• Prevent them from being exploited

• Protect them from making uninformed decisions

• Protect others from being disadvantaged by dealing with a minor

• Increase their working hours

Answer explanation

The intended purposes of laws for children include preventing exploitation and protecting them from uninformed decisions. Increasing their working hours contradicts these goals, making it the correct answer.

Fill in the blank: Traditionally, the legal age of adulthood was ____ years. In the past 20–30 years, most jurisdictions have lowered this age to ____ years.

Answer explanation

Traditionally, the legal age of adulthood was 21 years. In the past 20–30 years, most jurisdictions have lowered this age to 18 years, reflecting changing societal norms and attitudes towards maturity.

What is the name of the most widely ratified human rights treaty, which sets out a comprehensive set of rights for all children and young people?

Answer explanation

The most widely ratified human rights treaty is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines a comprehensive set of rights specifically for children and young people.

Which two significant events in the 1980s advanced the rights of children and young people internationally and in common law countries?

Answer explanation

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) established international standards for children's rights, while the Gillick case in England affirmed minors' rights to consent to medical treatment, both significantly advancing youth rights.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) requires that all state parties act in the best interests of the child.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) indeed mandates that all state parties must prioritize the best interests of the child, making the statement true.

Which of the following is NOT a basic right of a child as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)?

• The right to life

• The right to have one’s own name and identity

• The right to vote at age 10

• The right to be raised by one’s family

Answer explanation

The right to vote at age 10 is not a basic right of a child according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). The other options are recognized rights.

What was the main issue in the Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Area Health Authority case?

Answer explanation

The main issue in Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Area Health Authority was whether doctors could lawfully provide contraception and advice to individuals under 16 without parental consent.