Inside Justice

Young generation gives me confidence for the future, says Karyn Mccluskey

Imet a young woman last week who told me that she had been encouraged to pursue the law after hearing me speak at her school.

She was 32. As I lamented the passing of time and worked out how long ago I must have spoken to her and how old I was, I reflected, eventually, that it’s a huge privilege to be able to influence someone’s future direction, even if that’s only in a small way, whether diverting people from the justice system, or prompting a career choice.

I have always loved the opportunity to go into schools to talk about justice.

It formed part of the work I started with John Carnochan in the Violence Reduction Unit, where we wanted to change the ‘norms’ about the causes of crime and how we prevent and deal with the consequences.

I’ve realised that from 2003 when we kicked off, we must have spoken to tens of thousands of young people, who will now be in their mid-30s, have children of their own, and be a part of the society we wished to change. Gulp.

There is a network of amazing modern studies teachers across the country, who write regularly to ask me or one of my colleagues to come in to speak to their class, whether it’s 15 and 16-year-olds doing the Nat 5 level, or the Advanced Higher classes, who get to study justice in more depth. I always marvel at how smart and thoughtful the students are. I can’t remember being like that when I was the same age.

What’s particularly refreshing is that they can take in information and change their minds.

When I talk about the impact of stress and trauma, about life choices not being created equally, I can almost see them assimilating the information.

It’s so much more difficult as we get older, where it can often seem like a personal defeat to admit we have changed our opinions, that the evidence presented to us is so overwhelming that to ignore it would put us firmly in the Flat Earth Society.

I always start off asking them what they would do in a particular case, then work through the social determinants of health and well-being, the factors in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the forces and systems that shape people’s daily lives. Housing, education, unemployment and so the list goes on.

These are young people who get it, who often are subjected to many of these factors in their own families, and who know the struggles of trying to survive and thrive.

I touch on domestic abuse, violence, imprisonment and addiction, knowing some in the classes will know some of these topics intimately. They engage, have opinions on what needs to change, get animated and often angry at injustice.

I was lucky enough to speak virtually to Woodfarm High School in Glasgow last week, to a group of fourth-years in masks along with their teacher starting off their modern studies.

Despite all the challenges of Covid and the learning environment, they were amazing, smart and engaged. I don’t know how many people you need to change to make a difference, but I feel my future is safe in their hands.

#DOCTORWHO

Olly Alexander, the pop singer and actor who shone brightly in the Russell T Davies drama It’s a Sin, is runoured to be the next lead in Doctor Who.

@unionlib said: “Loving the bigots moaning about Olly Alexander playing the title role in Doctor Who. Apparently it's OK to believe a plot about a space alien with two hearts who moves through time in a telephone box but it becomes at bit far fetched if he is played by a gay man.”

@girlbillie posted: “I think the next Doctor has to be a woman or else Jodie Whittaer looks like an outlier and gamble that didn't quite pay off when it most definitely has.”

@Aylingmark commented: “I don't know who Olly Alexander is but I expect he'll be rather marvellous in his own unique way, as have pretty much all the different actors been over the years.”

@Spencercosford observed: “If he’s a good fit for the role and can act well then his sexuality shouldn't be an issue for intelligent people.”

@Matthew_hodson said: “I’d be thrilled if Olly Alexander was the next Doctor Who. Children don’t need to be shielded from gays, they need to be shielded from bigots.” @_Lucasmichael_ added: “It's almost like Olly Alexander wasn't in the most critically acclaimed show of the year so far or something. Peple thinking BBC are contemplating making him the Doctor based on his sexuality is a laugh.”

#COVID

Scotland's stadiums could be full on 10 August if the Covid route map remains on track, says Professor Jason Leitch. The national clinical director said the end of social distancing would allow large events such as football and music festivals to resume.

@Wisdomsearch3 posted: “Why is it all about football? The patriarchy is alive and well in Scotland I see.”

@Ednakrabapple1 commented: “Nicola Sturgeon proved her willingness to politicise football when she effectively sanctioned the behaviour of the 20,000 Scots fans in London.”

@davysailor said: “I might be cynical but this drive to get stadiums full of supporters sounds like it’s more to do with money.”

@Markcmcinnes added: “So that'll be another spike in Covid. It’s time to stop pretending Covid is nearly over.”