How laws change over time Flashcards
(4 cards)
How does prostitution change overtime?
Once a stigma was attached and linked to people who were perceived as being immoral. Under the Street Offences Act 1959 laws were made regarding prostitution. The focus in 2022 is how to protect vulnerable people involved in prostitution. There are calls for it to be decriminalised with appropriate regulation.
how does vagrancy change overtime?
This is still illegal under the Vagrancy Act 1824. Originally, it was passed to clear the streets of beggars, rogues and vagabonds and prevent further crime from being committed. The Act fell into disuse as society accepted there were legitimate reasons for homelessness. However, over recent times there has been an increase in the number of prosecutions but sympathy remains high with many campaigns to help such as Manchester’s ‘Big Sleep Out’ organised by local charity, Cornerstones.
how does homosexuality laws change over time?
Once illegal, in 1967 it was decriminalised in England and Wales and the age of consent placed at 21 years of age in the Sexual Offences Act 1967 . The age of consent was later lowered to 18 years in 1994 and finally to 16 years in 1994. Civil partnerships were permitted in 2004. Finally, the law allowed the first same sex marriage in 2014 in the Marriage (Same-sex couples) Act 2013. In secular societies (where the church and the state are separate) the social norms are more tolerant and inclusive. Over the last half century the UK has become more secular and its views towards sexuality are far more inclusive.
how does smoking change over time?
Smoking used to be a widely accepted practice and as late as the 1950s doctors used to give patients cigarettes to calm their nerves. However, under the Health Act 2006 smoking in in workplaces and enclosed public spaces was made illegal. In 2012 it was made illegal to have cigarettes on display in shops over a certain size, it was then introduced for all shops in 2015. Also in 2015, smoking in vehicles with anyone under the age of 18 present was made illegal. The reason for this is that advanced health knowledge on the dangers of cigarette smoking and it’s highly addictive nature have increased therefore leading to much stricter laws regarding smoking.
