Lesson 2: Characteristics of an Effective Law

Question 1

The Characteristics of an Effective Law:
Reflects Societies Values

Answer 1

• In line with the Majority of societies values them members of that are more inclined to follow the law rather than disregard it
• If not morally agreed upon, people will break law out of disagreement

Question 2

The Characteristics of an Effective Law:
Enforceable

Answer 2

If law is broken, it must be a possibility to catch and punish them (criminal law) or sue them (civil law)
→ if not possible to punish, people may be less inclined to follow the law
e.g. fines for offences such as drinking or begging are not enforceable to homeless people as they cannot pay

Question 3

The Characteristics of an Effective Law:
Clear and Understood

Answer 3

• If law is ambiguous, unclear or written in language or jargon that people do not understand, then people may not follow it
• The intent of the law must be clear and written in a way so that people can understand it

Question 4

The Characteristics of an Effective Law:
Known

Answer 4

• The public must know of it to be able to apply it otherwise, they cannot follow it
• Responsibility of individuals to find out what the law is on a matter that affects them
• If any person breaks the law then claims ignorance of its existence, there will be no leniency

Question 5

The Characteristics of an Effective Law:
Stable

Answer 5

• If a law is constantly changing, people may be uncertain as to what the law is and therefore not be as effective as a law that has remained constant for some time

Question 6

Identify (task word)

Answer 6

To state or recognize a feature, factor or part from a list, description, scenario or system (and possibly provide some basic facts about it)