There were many new crimes because of changing attitudes.
Abortion Act - decriminalised abortion in certain situations.
1967
Sexual Offences Act - decriminalised homosexuality for men over 21
1967
Race relations act - illigal to discriminate against someone because of their race or ethnicity
1968
Criminal Justice Act - allowed more severe sentences for hate crimes
2005
Racial and Religous Hatred Act - made spreading racial or religios hate a crime
2006
Misuse of Drugs Act - taking or supplying some substances is illegal. Controversial as some think that drugs are a personal choice.
1971
Due to the increased number of vehicles on roads, driving offences were introduced (e.g. speeding, driving under the influence)
Changes in Policing:
Motorised transport
Some officers are armed
Includes officers who are women or from different ethnic groups
Changes in technology caused the development of specialised police departments such as National Crime Agency, Economic Crime Unit, Police Central e-crime Unit
When was the Neighbourhood watch introduced?
1982
PCSOs were introduced to prevent crime by working with schools and community groups.
2002
Why was the death penalty abolished in 1998 (last used in 1964)?
attitudes changing - reform more important
controversial cases
Controversial Cases
1950 - Timothy Evans, hanged for murdering his wife and baby. Later proven innocent
1953 - Derek Bentley, hanged for murdering a policeman even though he didn't fire the gun and had severe learning disabilities
1955 - Ruth Ellis, hanged for murdering her abusive boyfriend who caused her to have a miscarriage. Left her child without a mother.
Changes to Prisons:
different level security prisons
probation, since 1907
hard labour abolished in 1948
separate prisons for young people
women's and men's prisons differ
New punishments
community service
ASBOs
Electronic tagging
Treatment of COs in WWI
Conscription for men from 1916
A clause in law escused COs
About 16000 refused to fight
Military tribunals decided if a CO was genuine
Only 400 were given an exemption
'Alternativists' were given non-combat roles
'Absolutists' were imprisoned, 10 died
Treatment of COs in WWII
A clause in law excused COs
Over 59000 men and women refused to fight
Tribunals judged if a CO was genuine
All except 12204 were given complete or partial exception (non combat roles)