Social Construction- Time Flashcards
(7 cards)
What are some examples of how laws change over time?
-vagrancy
-prostitution
-capital punishment
What is the capital punishment?
Capital punishment is the practice of executing someone as punishment for specific crime after due process. In the 18th century there were over 200 offences for which the death penalty could be given, including picking pockets. This was because the laws were made the the rich and well educated to protect themselves and their property.
why has the law of capital punishment changed?
-these views gradually faded as people were given an increase in rights and freedoms and the opportunity to progress in society.
It was eventually abolished for all crimes in 1998.
What is prostitution?
Is the selling of sexual services and is the world’s oldest profession. Prostitution itself is actually legal but many of its connected activities are illegal including soliciting in a public place. Once prostitution had stigma attached to it and the women involved were thought to be immoral because they had sex for money.
Why has the law regarding prostitution changed?
Society’s views are gradually changing due to a decline in people believing in religion and an increased level of moral tolerance in society. There are now calls for it to be decriminalised and regulated properly due to concerns for the safety and welfare of vulnerable women.
What is vagrancy?
The condition of homelessness without regular employment or income. They usually live in poverty and support themselves by begging. Historically vagrancy laws made it a crime for a person to wander from place to place without visible means of support.
Why has the laws regarding vagrancy changed?
The act is now largely discussed as society has gradually come to accept that there are legitimate reasons for homelessness.
There is still a small number of prosecutions but most of these are people representing themselves as homeless when actually they are not with the intention of financial gain.
