Modern Crimes

What has caused laws to change over time?

New ways of thinking

New technologies

War

What were conscientious objectors?

People who believe killing is wrong so refuse to participate in war

When was being a conscientious objector a crime?

1916

This meant all healthy men had to sign up to war despite any moral objections

How were conscientious objectors punished?

Solitary confinement in prisons

They were also seen as traitors so some were shot by their own side on the front lines

What was the 1967 Sexual Offences Act?

Decriminalising homosexuality for men

When did race related crimes become included as hate crimes?

2006

When did coercive/controlling behaviour in a relationship become illegal?

2014

When did drunk driving become illegal?

1925 but in 1967 they set a maximum limit of alcohol in the system that made it illegal to drive

Why has drink driving and speeding become less socially accepted?

Government campaigns have highlighted the dangers and risks of this behaviour

When did drug taking become illegal?

1971

When was abortion decriminalised?

1968

What is terrorism?

Using violence, fear and intimidation to publicise a political cause

How is terrorism an old crime?

E.g. Gunpowder Plot is an example of terrorism

How has changing technology created new crimes?

Technology has led to the introduction of cybercrimes - committing crimes via the internet

Why is slavery/human-trafficking a new crime?

Because it didn’t use to be illegal to buy/sell/own a person but now it is so people have to do it illegally

How is smuggling still a crime?

People more commonly smuggle illegal goods e.g. drugs instead of smuggling to avoid tax but cigarettes and alcohol and still smuggled so they can be sold for cheap