the individual from his own unwise actions, which may also harm others - this is why there are laws banning drugs and laws against obscenity.
When children are allowed to do what
The list that follows is only a small selection:
At 10 a child can:
be convicted of a crime (but see below)
open a bank account
At 14 a child can:
own an airgun
go into a bar with an adult (but not drink alcohol)
take on a part-time job
At 16 a child can:
buy cigarettes, fireworks, or premium bonds
marry (with parental consent)
join the armed forces (with parental consent)
drive a tractor or fly a glider solo
At 17 a child can:
drive a car
give blood
At 18 a child can do anything an adult can, except:
stand as a candidate in local or national elections
drive a bus (or heavy goods vehicle)
apply for a licence to sell alcohol.
Making a will: common terms
estate: all the goods, property, and money that the person owns when
they die
real property/realty: lands and buildings
personal property/personalty: all other possessions
bequeath: the word used to refer to the giving of personal estate
devise: the word used to refer to the giving of real estate
residue: what is left after taxes and funeral expenses have been paid
and specific bequests have been made
descendants: the children, and their children, grandchildren, and
so on all the way down the line
Glossary terms
legislation The body of law created by Parliament.
legislature The body responsible for creating statute law. In England
this is the two Houses of Parliament.
liability This term has two meanings: (1) an amount owed to someone;
(2) a person's legal responsibility.
libel Defamation that is published in some permanent form, such as
a printed book, a TV programme, or an email.
licensed conveyancer Someone who has a licence to do the legal work
of conveyancing, but who is not a solicitor. To become one you have to take
an exam regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
