Key Stage 2 pupil Tyler-Lee, from Northwood Park Primary School in Wolverhampton, recently took part in The Scholars Programme, where University of Warwick PhD student Charlotte Marino taught the Social Science course: ‘What are Rights?’
Charlotte submitted Tyler-Lee’s final assignment for consideration for the latest issue of our journal of outstanding student work, The Scholar. After peer review, Tyler-Lee’s article was chosen to be published. Charlotte said of the essay:
“Tyler-Lee wrote an outstanding First-Class essay demonstrating sophisticated understanding of the importance of our legal rights. He made intelligent and thoughtful contributions throughout the tutorials, showing academic ability well beyond his age group. His enthusiasm was a joy to witness, and he is heading for a bright future at whatever he puts his mind to.”
Tyler-Lee’s is one of 27 Scholars Programme articles to be featured in the latest edition of The Scholar. featuring STEM, Arts and Humanities, and Social Sciences articles from Key Stage 2-5 pupils from non-selective state schools. Schools interested in running The Scholars Programme can fill out our quick enquiry form to learn more.
Key Stage 2
Pupil Name: Tyler-Lee
School Name: Northwood Park Primary School
Supervised by: C. Marino
Tutor University: University of Warwick
Course Title: What are Rights?
Every well-functioning society is built on a set of principles and systems that aims to protect individuals and promote fairness. Among the most essential of these are human rights, contracts, and criminal law. Each plays a distinct role, yet they are interconnected in their purpose: to create a society where people are safe, respected, and treated equally. Human rights ensure personal freedoms and dignity, contracts allow for fair agreements in private and professional relationships, and criminal law enforces accountability for harmful actions. Together, they uphold justice and social order. In this essay, I will explore the importance of each, giving examples and sharing my own perspective on why they matter in our daily lives.
Human rights are basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person, simply because they are human. These rights include the freedom of speech, the right to live free from torture, and the right to a fair trial, among many others. In my opinion, human rights are non-negotiable and must be protected at all costs. They are the foundation of democracy, peace, and individual dignity. Without them, people would be vulnerable to abuse, discrimination and injustice. One example of the importance of human rights is the right to freedom of expression. In many democratic countries, people are free to voice their opinions, protest peacefully, and criticise the government. This helps create a transparent society where leaders are held accountable. However, in authoritarian regimes, this right is often denied. Citizens who speak out against the government may be imprisoned or even killed. For example, in countries like North Korea or Iran, people have been punished for simply sharing their opinions online. This shows how fragile human rights can be.
Another example is the right to education. When people, especially girls in some parts of the world, are denied education, it limits their opportunities and weakens society as a whole. In places like Afghanistan, girls have been banned from attending school or university, denying them the chance to shape their own futures. Education is a powerful tool for equality and empowerment, and denying it is a violation of a fundamental human right. In my view, protecting rights should be a top priority for governments and communities. While international organisations like the United Nations work to promote these rights globally, real change often starts at the local level – with education, awareness, and the courage to stand up for those who are voiceless.
Contracts are legally binding agreements between two or more parties. They are used in business, employment, real estate, and many other areas of daily life. In my opinion, contracts are essential because they create structure, define expectations, and protect everyone involved. Without contracts, trust would be harder to establish, and conflict would become much more common. A simple but powerful example is a job contract. When someone is hired for a position, the contract outlines their salary, duties, hours, and benefits. This protects both the employee and the employer. If the employee does not perform the job as agreed, the employer has legal grounds to take action. On the other hand, if the employer fails to pay the agreed salary or fires someone unfairly, the employee can take legal steps. This balance creates a sense of fairness and security in the workplace.
Criminal law is the body of law that deals with crimes and their punishment. Its purpose is to protect people, property and society as a whole by defining what behaviour is unacceptable and punishing those who break the rules. In my opinion, criminal law is absolutely necessary. Without it, people would feel unsafe, and there would be no consequences for harmful actions.
One common example is theft. If someone steals from a store or breaks into your home, criminal law ensures that the person can be arrested, charged and punished. This not only brings justice to the victim but also serves as a warning to others. Knowing that there are legal consequences help prevent people from committing similar crimes.
Another important example is laws against violence, such as assault or murder. These laws protect people from physical harm and give victims a sense of justice. For instance, if someone commits violent crime, the police investigate, the court holds a trial, and if found guilty, the offender may be sent to prison. This system ensures that people cannot harm others without facing serious consequences.
In my opinion, while criminal law is essential for safety and order, it must also focus on rehabilitation. Punishing offenders is necessary, but helping them change their behaviour and rejoin society is just as important. Programmes that provide education, therapy, and job training in prisons can reduce the chances of repeat crime, and help build a safer society.
In conclusion, human rights, contracts, and criminal law are fundamental parts of any just and fair society. Human rights protect individual freedoms and dignity, allowing people to live without fear and discrimination. Contracts promote trust and cooperation in personal and professional relationships, providing legal clarity and accountability. Criminal law ensures safety and justice, deterring crime, and punishing those who cause harm. Each of these areas play a unique but interconnected role in shaping how we live, work, and interact with one another.
In my opinion, a strong and fair society must protect human rights, enforce fair contracts, and apply criminal law justly. Each of these elements play a critical role in shaping how people live and interact. Without human rights, individuals would be vulnerable to oppression and discrimination. These rights are not just ideas: they are essential for freedom, equality and dignity. Governments and communities must work together to ensure that all people are treated with respect, no matter their background. Criminal law is also not only for punishing wrongdoers but also for protecting victims and preventing future crime. However, criminal justice must be fair, unbiased, and focus on both punishment and rehabilitation. No one should suffer from injustice due to a broken legal system. Overall, I believe that when human rights are respected, contracts are honoured, and criminal law is fairly applied, society becomes more stable, peaceful and just.
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