LNAT Practice Test Essay – Should the legal age for marriage be raised to prevent child marriages? Explain your reasoning.

In the LawMint LNAT Practice Test Series for 2024 and 2025, there are 30 full length tests, with 360 passages – 1260 MCQs and 90 essay prompts or essay questions.

The essay below is a sample that can be written for the prompt:

Should the legal age for marriage be raised to prevent child marriages? Explain your reasoning.

This LNAT essay question is included in LawMint LNAT Practice Test series.

While the model essays may include both sides of an argument, the question may require you to state your stance - either for or against; and support it with arguments.

Read our articles and watch the videos on our YouTube channel for guidance on how to structure and write the LNAT Essay.

Introduction

Child marriage remains a significant issue in many parts of the world, with millions of girls married before the age of 18 every year. This practice has numerous negative consequences, including undermining girls’ education, perpetuating gender inequality, and increasing the risk of health complications. In response to these concerns, there have been calls to raise the legal age for marriage as a means of preventing child marriages. This essay will discuss the potential benefits and challenges of raising the legal age for marriage and examine the arguments for and against this proposal.

Arguments for Raising the Legal Age for Marriage

One of the primary arguments for raising the legal age for marriage is the potential to protect children’s rights, particularly those of girls. Child marriage often results in girls being forced to leave school early, limiting their educational opportunities and future prospects. By raising the legal age for marriage, it is believed that more girls would be able to complete their education, empowering them to make informed decisions about their lives and contribute more effectively to their families and communities.

Another argument in favor of raising the legal age for marriage is the potential to reduce the prevalence of health complications associated with child marriage. Girls who marry early are often pressured to start families before they are physically or emotionally ready, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Raising the legal age for marriage could help to ensure that young women have the time and resources needed to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, reducing the risk of health complications for both themselves and their children.

Furthermore, proponents of raising the legal age for marriage argue that doing so could help to promote gender equality. Child marriage often perpetuates traditional gender roles and norms, with young brides expected to assume domestic and caregiving responsibilities at the expense of their education and personal development. By raising the legal age for marriage, it is argued that society would be sending a clear message about the importance of gender equality and the need to challenge harmful practices that undermine the rights and well-being of girls and women.

Arguments Against Raising the Legal Age for Marriage

Critics of raising the legal age for marriage argue that such a measure could be ineffective in preventing child marriages, particularly in countries and communities where the practice is deeply ingrained in cultural and social norms. In such contexts, raising the legal age for marriage may not be sufficient to change attitudes and behaviors, as families may continue to arrange child marriages regardless of the law.

Another argument against raising the legal age for marriage is the potential to infringe upon the rights and autonomy of young people who genuinely wish to marry before the proposed higher legal age. While the primary goal of raising the legal age for marriage is to protect children from harm, it is important to acknowledge that some young people may be capable of making informed and responsible decisions about marriage and family life. In such cases, raising the legal age for marriage could be seen as an unnecessary restriction on individual freedom and choice.

Balancing the Arguments

When considering whether to raise the legal age for marriage to prevent child marriages, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a measure. While raising the legal age for marriage may help to protect the rights and well-being of children, particularly girls, it could also be ineffective in changing entrenched cultural practices and may infringe upon the rights of young people who are capable of making informed decisions about marriage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the debate surrounding the legal age for marriage is complex and multifaceted. While there are strong arguments for raising the legal age for marriage to prevent child marriages, there are also valid concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of such a measure. Rather than relying solely on legal interventions, a comprehensive approach that includes education, community engagement, and support for girls and women is likely to be more effective in addressing the issue of child marriage. By combining efforts to raise the legal age for marriage with initiatives that promote education, gender equality, and the empowerment of girls and women, it is possible to create lasting change that protects the rights and well-being of children and young people around the world.

It is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to engage in dialogue with communities where child marriage is prevalent and to work collaboratively to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable solutions. This may involve implementing awareness campaigns, providing educational and economic opportunities for girls, and supporting community-based organizations working to prevent child marriage.

Additionally, governments should consider establishing robust mechanisms to enforce laws against child marriage, while also ensuring that the rights and autonomy of young people who genuinely wish to marry are respected. This may involve providing resources for monitoring and reporting child marriages, as well as offering support and protection to those at risk or affected by this practice.

Ultimately, addressing the issue of child marriage requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the complex interplay of cultural, social, economic, and legal factors. By working together to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and promote the rights and well-being of girls and women, it is possible to make significant progress in the fight against child marriage and create a brighter future for all.