AC 1.2 Flashcards
What are reasons that Polygamy laws vary from culture to culture?
It is permitted in the Qur’an and practised in Mormon churches. It is also a tradition.
What are reasons Adultery laws vary from culture to culture?
It’s condemned in most religions and part of 10 Commandments. Whether women play a subordinate (lesser) position in society depends if laws are written.
Where is Polygamy legal?
In 58 muslim-majority countries
Where is Polygamy illegal?
In most countries including the UK and some Muslim majority countries such as Turkey.
Where is Adultery illegal?
In Christian and Muslim majority countries where religion strongly influences laws, also some US states.
Where is Adultery legal?
In most countries like the UK
What are reasons why Homosexuality laws vary from culture to culture?
Christianity, Islam and Judaism traditionally condemned. In some countries, e.g. Egypt, public polls decided it should be a crime. Sexism - In some countries, being gay is a crime but lesbianism isn’t. Sexist or bias law makers may set laws.
Where is Homosexuality legal?
In the UK, Europe, North and South America
Where is Homosexuality illegal?
In 72 countries which are mainly Muslim majority
What are reasons Cannabis laws vary from culture to culture?
Different societies may constitute crimes differently - increased freedom may lead to decriminalisation. Different views on how to control use may also change laws, e.g. to control use, strict laws must be put in place.
Where is Cannabis legal?
Canada, Uruguay, Portugal, and some US states.
Where is cannabis illegal?
In the UK and European countries
What are reasons homosexuality laws vary over time?
Wolfenden Report - An increase in gay men post-WW2 made Wolfenden consider reforming laws. Homosexual Law Reform campaign success followed by support from politicians such as Roy Jenkins. Human rights also encouraged this change - equal rights.
What are reasons drug laws vary over time?
Portugal 2001 - possession of drugs is a civil offence and no longer a crime - sudden rapid increase in drug addiction post-1975 (1 in 100 of pop. addicted to heroin) left the issue regarded as a health issue rather than a crime. This also saved the poor country time and resources.
What are the reasons gun control laws vary over time?
2 main UK cases - 1987 Michael Ryan shot + killed 16 people, 1996 16 children and 1 teacher shot dead at primary school by legally held weapons. Law tightened in 1997 by successful campaigns by Gun Control Network and The Snowdrop who helped raise 750k signatures for a change in law.
What are the reasons laws relating to children vary over time?
Up to the 13th century, children had the same rights as adults. 19th century - laws excluding kids from paid work, 1880 - compulsory schooling, 2004 Children Act - protection + welfare legislation, 1989 - Children’s rights and minimum age laws + policies.
What are the reasons laws concerning physical punishments vary over time?
In the UK, capital punishment (hanging) and corporal punishment was a tradition. Overtime, 1965 - capital punishment abolishment and 1967 - corporal punishment disappeared. This is because the death penalty was a breach of human rights (rights to life), it was not a deterrent, many cases where innocent people were killed occurred and some argue it was due to a long term decrease in violence.
What are some reasons differential enforcement of the law varies in different circumstances?
Moral panics - Criminals during 2011 London riots were more likely to receive custodial sentences than the normal conditions. The Mods and Rockers (1960s) is another example where more severe sentences were given to the youth to deter others. Chambliss’ typification study found that the police enforced the law more strictly for the working class.
What are some reasons that the age of responsibility laws vary between different circumstances?
If someone is under the age of criminal responsibility, they will be treated differently. (England - 10yrs, No less than 12yrs in Europe). Most countries have separate courts to deal with offenders under a certain age. In England + Wales, youth courts are special + less formal Magistrates’ courts for 10-17 year olds where defendants are called by 1st names and no members of public are allowed in.
What are reasons that Homicide laws vary between different circumstances?
There are 3 defences to the Homicide Act 1957 - where the defendant can plead not guilty despite having killed someone.
-Diminished responsibility - mental condition reduced ability to understand (form of rational judgement)
-Loss of control
-Automatism - if crim can be proven to be involuntary, defendant can plead automatism.
