38. The Constitutional Law "The rights and Obligations of a Citizen and Person" provides that everyone has the right to education. The State provides primary compulsory education free of charge, and ensures further schooling according to the abilities of the child. It is the responsibility of the parents or legal guardian to ensure that the child receives an education in accordance with his/her abilities. Education is compulsory for children until the attainment of 15 years of age or graduation from a primary school. Primary education includes grades 1 - 8 and secondary education includes grades 9 - 12.

39. The Labour Code regulates employment in Latvia. The Code states that children under the age of 15 may not be employed in a full-time position. With the consent of a parent or guardian and following a medical examination, children from the age of 13 can be employed part-time. Employment must be outside of school hours and under conditions that are not harmful to the safety, health or development of young persons. Persons under the age of 18 may not be employed during night hours and public holidays. They are entitled to payment not lower than the established minimum and to one month of paid annual holidays.

41. the Civil Law states that a person must be 18 years of age to contract marriage. A minor between the ages of 16 and 18 may contract marriage only with the consent of the parents and authorities provided that the marriage is contracted with a person who has attained majority.

44. The Criminal Code states that criminal liability is applicable to persons who have attained 16 years of age. An exception exists if a heavy and serious offence has been committed - then criminal liability is possible from the age of 14.