Should the Parthenon (often called the “Elgin”) Marbles be returned to Greece? In this episode of Kids Law, Alma-Constance and Lucinda explore one of the biggest cultural and legal debates in the UK. The ancient sculptures were taken from the Parthenon temple in Athens over 200 years ago and are now displayed in the British Museum. Some people believe they were legally acquired. Others argue they should be reunited with the rest of the temple in Greece. So what does the law say? And can the law change?

We’re joined by solicitor Mark Stephens CBE, consultant at Howard Kennedy and a long-time campaigner for the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles. Mark explains:

• How Museum laws developed over time
• Why national museums in the UK currently cannot return objects, even if they want to
• Why some countries say cultural objects are more than “museum pieces” — they are part of identity
• What “provenance checking” means and why it matters today
• Whether returning objects would empty museums — or make them fairer

We also explore:

• Why learning from the past isn’t the same as judging it
• Whether the age of criminal responsibility (currently 10 in England and Wales) is too young
• Why lowering the voting age to 16 could strengthen democracy
• How the law evolves as society grows up

Mark shares his belief that the law is strongest when it protects the smallest voices — and that asking questions is often where change begins.

When he was 10, Mark says he was very curious, asked a lot of questions and cared about fairness a lot.

As always, Kids Law helps young people understand how laws affect them — and how they can shape the future.

If you have worries or need support:
Childline: 0800 1111 (free confidential advice for under 18)
Visit: www.kidslaw.info

Please subscribe, rate and share the podcast — and keep your brilliant questions coming.

References

https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/contested-objects-collection

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/time-to-rethink-our-museums-and-return-stolen-goods-says-high-profile-lawyer/5110128.article

The British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles

https://www.parthenonuk.com/component/tags/tag/mark-stephens-cbe

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Stephens_(solicitor)

The Art Newspaper

Howard Kennedy

If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo

Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.
See you soon in the next episode!

This episode is a listen back over the past 5 years since we launched the podcast.

If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo

Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.
See you soon in the next episode!

Want to know how you can influence the decisions that shape your life?

Arthur Templeman-Lily at 17 years old is a children’s rights consultant from Wales, who works to ensure young people’s voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives. He tells Alma and Lucinda about his experience in children participating in shaping law and policy, and why Cardiff is a leader in children’s rights. Arthur explains how he became involved in children’s rights work and champion youth voices. We discuss:

· How he went about producing the children-led book, ‘Pause, Play, Fast Forward: The Journey of Children in Wales’

· how the book is being used in schools and youth settings

· why Wales became one of the first UK nations to criminalise smacking

· the reasons and importance of voting at 16 years old

· the age of criminal responsibility, comparing Wales with Scotland.

· advice for children who want to learn more about their rights or get involved.

When Arthur was 10, he really enjoyed history and loved writing fan fiction about the Lion King!

If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo

Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.
See you soon in the next episode!