1.C Characteristics of an effective law

Question 1

Identify the characteristics of effective law.

Answer 1

C lear and understood
A cceptable (reflect society’s values)
K nown and understood
E nforceable
S table

Question 2

Define acceptable (reflect society’s values).

Answer 2

If a law is in line with society’s current values, then members of society are more inclined to follow that law than disregard it. (Laws should change when society’s values change).

Question 3

Define enforceable.

Answer 3

If people break the law, it must be possible to apprehend (catch) and
- Punish them (criminal case) or
- Sue them (civil case).
If this is not possible, people will be less inclined to follow the law.

Question 4

Define known.

Answer 4

People must actually be aware of the law, if they are not aware, they will not follow it. It is the responsibility of each individual to know all laws that affect them as ignorance of the law is no excuse when faced with criminal charges or a civil suit.

Question 5

Define clear and understood.

Answer 5

If a law is unclear, ambiguous, or written in a language that people do not understand people will not follow the law.

Question 6

Define stable.

Answer 6

If the law were constantly changing, no one would be certain what the law was. Laws must be stable and consistent and only change when necessary