[Commentary] R (on the Application of Begum) v Head-teacher and Governors of Denbigh High School [2006] UKHL 15

It is more than 10 years since the decision of the House of Lords (HL, as it was then) in Begum, but it remains as contentious and relevant as ever. In Begum, religion, age, gender, culture, and socio-economic background conflate, raising issues of equality, tolerance, autonomy, diversity, and respect. The decision alerts us to the way in which a range of socio-cultural variables affect children’s lives. This commentary discusses the significance of this decision and how this decision could have been more compelling from a children's rights perspective.