AC1.2 Flashcards
How laws change over time
Capital punishment
Capital punishment is the practice of executing someone as punishment for a specific crime after due process, going through the correct legal proceedings, or a legal trial.
How laws change over time
Law against double jeopardy
The law regarding double jeopardy has changed over time. As a result of, among other reasons, Ann mings campaign, the law that prevented a person being tried again for the same offence was abolished for serious offences.
A provision in the criminal justice act 2003 came into force, which states that where there is ‘new and compelling evidence’ pointing to the guilt of a former defendant, the court of appeal may quash an acquittal and order retrial.
How laws change over time
Laws concerning prostitution
Prostitution, or the selling is sexual services, is the worlds oldest profession. Prostitution itself is legal but many of the connected activities are illegal. This includes soliciting, kerb crawling or owning a brothel.
Society changed its view of prostitution due to a decline in people believing in religion and an increased moral tolerance. In addition, the status of women changed and, with increased equality, more occupations and training opportunities became available.
How laws change over time
Vagrancy
Vagrancy relates to having no visible means of support and travelling from place to place. Often termed sleeping rough and begging, it is illegal under the vagrancy act 1824.
Views surrounding vagrancy have changed since the 19th century and no longer is it looked upon with disapproval. Now there is sympathy and concern for the vagrants.
How laws change in different places
Possession of cannabis
Possession of cannabis is an offence and is illegal in England and Wales, but there have been calls to decriminalise it and allow its use, particularly for medical reasons.
However, in some countries such as Columbia and Uruguay it is legal.
How laws change in different places
Jaywalking
Jaywalking is where pedestrians cross without regards to traffic regulations. It is an offence in most urban areas In USA, Canada, Singapore and Poland. However, in the uk there is no such offence as it is considered a personal responsibility to cross the road safely.
How laws change in different places
Female genital mutilation
FGM is the deliberate mutilation of female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is usually carried out on girls under the age of 15, prior to them entering into sexual activity, and it is illegal in the uk. It is carried out in many parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, it is connected to cultural, religious and social reasons. It is believed to be fit the girl and preserve her virginity ready for marriage.
How laws are applied differently according to circumstances in which actions occur
The rule of law states that everyone is subject to the law and that it should be applied equally to all.
The age of criminal responsibility in the uk is 10
In Canada it is 12
Bangladesh it is 9
China it is under 16
