Why laws change Flashcards
What are the 6 reasons for change in laws?
Fear
Miscarriages of justice
Societies’ attitudes
Change to government
Scientific advances
Religion/tradition
Why does fear change laws ( include examples)?
When events occur which scare the public this can prompt change in law ( want to protect/appease the public)
The public are scared that criminals are getting away with their crimes and dangerous people are in society
Double jeopardy and moral panic
Why do miscarriages of justice change laws (include examples)?
Miscarriages in justice highlight to the public when the CJS is unsafe which can lead to change in laws/processes
Age of criminal responsibility and double jeopardy
Why does societies’ attitudes change laws (include examples)?
Many societies have become more open-minded and less conservative ( traditional views are less common)
Things that are important to certain cultures (connection) influence attitudes/acceptance
Homosexuality and cannabis possession
Why does a change in government change laws (include examples)?
Inevitably beliefs of a government will change when there’s a new election as they all have different aims. The new government can then make new laws.
The UK gov made decide something should be made legal while other countries don’t
Homosexuality, cannabis possession and capital punishment
Why do scientific advances change laws (include examples)?
As our understanding of science grows, new discoveries are made that change society’s perceptions of a crime.
Cannabis possession - Italy
Why does religion/tradition change laws (include examples)?
Religion can affect societies attitudes towards acts of a ‘moral nature’ and many societies which are religious are more conservative
Homosexuality
