Marriage law, child protection and rights
Should the legal age for marriage be raised to prevent child marriages?
LNAT Section B · Founder's essay plan
The essay question
Should the legal age for marriage be raised to prevent child marriages?
The plan
Stance: FOR (raise to 18 with no exceptions, and — where already 18 — tighten enforcement/recognition rules).
Jurisdiction focus: UK/ECHR with global evidence. Word target: ~750.
Must-use authorities: UNCRC, CEDAW, ECHR Art 12, WHO/UNICEF/World Bank evidence.
Author's own note: this parallels the arranged vs forced marriage debate and the raising-the-age-for-cigarettes/alcohol essays. Some of these points feel basic and could be strengthened.
Definitions (stance-aware)
NB: currently in England and Wales, since February 2023 (Marriage and Civil Partnership Act 2022 in force), the minimum age is 18 with no exceptions (previously 16–17 could marry with parental consent).
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