L2: Characteristics of effective law

Question 1

Acronym for characteristics of an effective law

Answer 1

RECKS

Question 1

5 characteristics of effective law

Answer 1

Reflect society’s values
Enforceable
Clear and understood
Known
Stable

Question 2

l. Reflect society’s values

Answer 2

if a law aligns with the majority of society’s current values, then members are more inclined to follow that law rather than disregard it

Question 2

When may laws better reflect society’s values?
When may laws fail to reflect society’s values?

Answer 2

1.When majority of voters have elected a party with certain views to make laws to govern them.
Strong campaigning effort to advocate for laws
2. The law may have been established many years ago and represents a different set of societal values
There was pressure from media or vocal minority groups who successfully advocated for change

Question 3

ll. Enforceable

Answer 3

If people break a law, it must be possible and practical to catch the violator and enforce the law

Question 4

When may laws be more enforceable?
When may laws be less enforceable?

Answer 4

1. The act that violates the law is done in public
   There is a reasonable volume of violations
2. The act that violates the law is done in private
   There is a reasonably high volume of violations

Question 5

lll. Clear and understood

Answer 5

It is important for a law to be written in a way that people can understand it, so the intent of the law is clear.

Question 5

lV. Known

Answer 5

The public must know about the laws that govern them, otherwise they may not be aware of their obligations and follow the law

Question 5

When may laws be more clear and understood?
When may laws be less clear and understood?

Answer 5

1. The law is written in plain english
   The law and its intentions are explained through media releases.
2. The law is written in complex legal jargon. The law is unclear in how it will apply

Question 6

When may laws be more known?
When may laws be less known?

Answer 6

1.A new law or change in law is made public by media release.
Public debates about changes to law occur before a change is made.
2. When little is made public about the law
less debated or conscientious to the law may not be publicized

Question 7

V. Stable

Answer 7

If a law is constantly changing, people may be uncertain as to what the law is at the present, this uncertainty can limit the ability of individuals to follow the correct, current law

Question 8

When may laws be more stable?
When may laws be less stable?

Answer 8

1. When the law has mostly stayed the same.
2. When a law changes in differing directions quickly.