How Laws Have Changed Overtime

Question 1

What are some examples of laws that have changed overtime?

Answer 1

• Decriminalisation of homosexuality
• Partial decriminalisation of cannabis (for medical reasons)
• Abolishment of double jeopardy – Ann Ming campaign
• Many laws around smoking
• Abolishment of the death penalty
• Laws around abortion

Question 2

Why do laws change overtime?

Answer 2

• Campaigns for change – pressure put on law makers
• More awareness of issues in the law, the media
• Better educated, smoking
• Influence of religion - less religious society, homosexuality
• Human Rights
• Learnt from previous mistakes – Ruth Ellis

Question 3

Why may laws not change overtime?

Answer 3

• Unusual laws, generally ignored
• The process of making/changing a law can be slow
• Parliamentary time is in demand and used for more urgent issues
• Reasons for passing law may still be applied today – change is unnecessary
• Victimless crime so no need to make action illegal (e.g. Gambling)
• Police decide what they will enforce and what they won’t enforce – e.g. cannabis / low level drug use