The Children and the Law Research Group
The Children and the Law Research Group brings together academics from across the University of Sheffield whose research interests relate to children, childhood, and parents, with a focus on how law and legal regulation affects each of these.
About Us
The Children and the Law Research Group (CLRG) was established in October 2023, within the School of Law but with an interdisciplinary focus. It aims to bring together academics from across the University of Sheffield whose research interests relate to children, childhood, and parents, with a focus on how law and legal regulation affects each of these. It is an inclusive space within the University of dedicated to child focused research, to support individuals in their research, to foster collaborations in research and teaching.
Members of the CLRG have undertaken research on a broad range of themes, including: medical decision making with children and parents; parental responsibilities; the best interests of the child; the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC); children’s rights; disparities in sentencing; criminal career through the life course; children and digital rights; children’s legal capabilities; childbirth and pregnancy; children in immigration and nationality law; gender diversity and gender identity; gamification of research methods; divorce and remarriage; and, child participation in health choices.
A range of modules are currently offered to undergraduate students within the School of Law which cover issues related to children, childhood and parents. These include: Children and the Law; Family Law; Principles in Healthcare Law and Ethics; Immigration and Asylum Law; Youth Crime and Justice; and, Prison, Prisoners and Their Families.
Enquiries about the CLRG should be directed to the Co-Directors: Dr Hannah Hirst and Dr Jonathan Collinson.