Disadvantages of Public Opinion on Law Making

Question 1

What are the disadvantages of public opinion on law making?

Answer 1

• The government may react too quickly to high-profile incidents.
• It can be argued that the media sensationalises the news to create public opinion.

Question 2

What is the disadvantage of the government reacting too quickly to high-profile incidents?

Answer 2

It can lead to law being created too quickly and not thought through, causing the law to be poorly drafted.

Question 3

What is an example of the government reacting too quickly to high-profile incidents?

Answer 3

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Question 4

What were the consequences of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991?

Answer 4

• The wording within the Act caused many disputed cases in the courts.
• It failed to protect people from dangerous dogs; thousands of people need hospital treatment after being attacked by a dangerous dog.

Question 5

What is an example of the media sensationalising the news to create public opinion?

Answer 5

The “News of the World”’s name and shame campaign against paedophiles.