Copy of Legal History

Victorian Legal history summary

Married Women's Property Act 1882

This act granted married women complete control over their property, allowing them to have ownership and agency separate from their husbands.

Matrimonial Causes Act 1857

This act gave women the ability to leave unhappy marriages and remarry, providing them with the opportunity for autonomy and divorce.

Matrimonial Causes Act 1878

This act allowed women to seek protection from physically abusive men through judicial separation.

Offences Against the Person Act 1871

This act addressed reckless assaults leading to bodily harm, indicating a shift in societal attitudes towards violence.

Custody of Infants Act 1839

This act allowed mothers to petition for custody of their children up to the age of seven, giving them the opportunity to have a say in their children's lives.

Infant Custody Act 1873

This act made custody decisions based on the needs of the child rather than the rights of the parent, prioritizing the well-being of the child.

Elementary Education Act 1870/1880

These acts made education compulsory for children between the ages of 5-13, ensuring that all children had access to education.

Contagious Diseases Act 1864

This act aimed to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in the army and regulate prostitution.