AC1.2- Explain the social construction of criminality Flashcards
(9 cards)
What are some examples of crimes that was illegal but are now legal in the UK?
- Suicide
- Homosexuality
- Same sex marriage
- Women’s vote
- Abortion
What are some examples of crimes that were legal but are now illegal in the UK?
- Smoking in a public place
- Child Employment
- Slavery
- Corporal Punishment
- Capital Punishment
- Owning a handgun
- Driving without a seatbelt
Change in law on Abortion overtime
- Abortion was illegal in England, Scotland, Wales until 1967 where The Abortion Act- decriminalised abortion under certain conditions. The act has been challenged unsuccessfully several times by pro life organisations
- Abortion in Northern Ireland was decriminalised in 2019
Change in law on Suicide overtime
- Suicide was a ‘crime’ in England and Wales up until 1961
- In 1956, 5,387 failed suicide attempts were known to police with 613 of those being prosecuted. Most were discharged, fined or put on probation, but 33 were sent to prison
- In 1958, Labour MP Kenneth Robinson stated that suicide should cease to be a criminal offence. Within days 150 MPs had signed it
Change in law on homosexuality overtime
- 1967- sex between two men over 21 and “in private” is decriminalised
- 1980- decriminalised in Scotland
1982- Decriminalised in Northern Ireland
1994- The age of consent for two male partners is lowered to 18
2000- The ban on gay and bisexual people serving in the army is lifted and the age of consent is equalised to that of same sex couples
2002- Same-sex couples are given equal rights when it comes to adoption
2003- Gross indecency is removed as an offence
2004- A law allowing civil partnerships is passed
2007- Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is banned
2010- Gender reassignment surgery is added as a protected characteristic in equality legislation
2014- Gay marriage becomes legal in England, Wales and Scotland
Wolfenden Report
After WW2, there was an increase in prosecutions of gay men and by 1954 over 1000 were in prison. This led to the government setting up a committee ran by Sir john Wolfenden to consider the reform of the law . The Homosexual Law Reform Society successfully campaigned for the change in the law that legalised gay sex in 1967. Further campaign for homosexual equality led eventually to equalising the age of consent at 16
How is the law different for polygamy in different cultures
Polygyny- legal in 58 countries
Polyandry- legal in approx. 5 countries
Polygamy is a crime in most countries; in the UK it is classified as bigamy and will receive a sanction of up to 7 years imprisonment
The reason for this variation is religion/tradition
How is the law different for adultery in different cultures?
In most countries, including in the UK and Europe, adultery is not against the law. In India it ceased to be a crime in 2018.
In most countries governed by Islamic law it is a crime, as well as several Christian-majority countries in Africa and 21 of the USA states have it as a misdemeanour offence
Why does the law on adultery differ?
Most religions condemn adultery. Not committing adultery is one of the 10 commandments shared by Christianity, Islam and Judaism
Laws against adultery are often found in societies where traditionally women occupy a subordinate position. Usually in such societies, the adultery laws themselves are inequal
