Legal Research: The Impact of Legal Problems on Young People

Tuesday 6 May 2014 @ 12.58 p.m. | Legal Research

A new research alert released by the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW shines the spotlight firmly on young people and the impact of legal problems on their ability to access justice as well as other life issues brought about as a result of their legal problems.

Background to the Study

Based on the results of the 2012  Legal Australia-Wide Survey: Legal need in Australia,  the first comprehensive quantitative assessment across Australia of an extensive range of legal needs on a representative sample of the population, examining the nature of legal problems, the pathways to their resolution, and the demographic groups that struggle with the weight of their legal problems; the Research Paper on the Impact of Legal Problems on Young People focuses on the core wellbeing indicators including:

  • Good health;
  • Safety;
  • Positive personal relationships;
  • Shelter; and
  • Economic security.

Using these wellbeing indicators, the research paper determines whether having legal problems negatively or positively affects the wellbeing of young people in NSW.

Initial Survey Results

Prevalence of Legal Problems

Initially, males are most likely to experience legal problems, however the difference between genders is quite small, with the age group between 18-24 the most likely to have a run in with the law.

Additionally, depending on the age group under discussion, certain issues were by far the most prevalent eg. In the 15-17 age group, by far the greatest legal problem was that of bullying in the education system.

Adverse Consequence of Legal Problems Identifiable to Young People

Participants in the survey identified 5 major consequences of legal problems:

  • Stress-related illness;
  • Physical ill health;
  • Relationship breakdown;
  • Having to move home; and
  • Loss of income or financial strain. 

For more information, see Law and Justice Foundation Updating Justice No. 38.

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