Law and SocietyLaw and SocietyChanging ValuesChanging ValuesChanging LawsChanging Laws

What does it mean?What does it mean? ““Law evolves as a result of the Law evolves as a result of the

changing needs and values of the changing needs and values of the people.”people.”

““Laws and values of a society are Laws and values of a society are inter-related. Values are reflected in inter-related. Values are reflected in laws, and laws reinforce values.”laws, and laws reinforce values.”

In Nova Scotia, it is against the law…In Nova Scotia, it is against the law…

For a person to rollerskate on a roadway, For a person to rollerskate on a roadway, except while crossing on a crosswalk.except while crossing on a crosswalk.

To have a television or screen in a motor To have a television or screen in a motor vehicle where it is visible to the driver.vehicle where it is visible to the driver.

To allow sheep to stray in Point Pleasant To allow sheep to stray in Point Pleasant Park.Park.

To pick a flower from a grave in To pick a flower from a grave in Bridgewater. Bridgewater.

In Souris, PEI…In Souris, PEI… It used to be illegal to build a It used to be illegal to build a

snowman more than 30 inches high snowman more than 30 inches high on a corner lot.on a corner lot.

In Canada, it is illegal to…In Canada, it is illegal to… Send a telegram Send a telegram

threatening a bird.threatening a bird. Tell fortunes for a Tell fortunes for a

fee.fee. Fraudulently Fraudulently

practice practice conjuration, conjuration, sorcery, or sorcery, or witchcraft.witchcraft.

In Dartmouth, it is illegal…In Dartmouth, it is illegal… To let a chicken cross the road.To let a chicken cross the road.

DiscussionDiscussion What values are reflected in these What values are reflected in these

laws?laws? What was probably the historical What was probably the historical

setting in which these laws were setting in which these laws were written?written?

Do values and laws change rapidly? Do values and laws change rapidly? Why or why not?Why or why not?

BrainstormBrainstorm What laws exist today that reflect our What laws exist today that reflect our

values?values?

For or Against? A vote.For or Against? A vote. The government will no longer regulate the sale or The government will no longer regulate the sale or

distribution of alcohol.distribution of alcohol. All laws prohibiting horse racing, roulette, blackjack, All laws prohibiting horse racing, roulette, blackjack,

craps, VLTs and other forms of gambling shall be craps, VLTs and other forms of gambling shall be repealed.repealed.

The use and sale of marijuana will be decriminalized.The use and sale of marijuana will be decriminalized. The governments will repeal all laws penalizing The governments will repeal all laws penalizing

prostitution.prostitution. Pornographic materials may be sold and distributed Pornographic materials may be sold and distributed

without interference from the law.without interference from the law. The government will no longer regulate shopping The government will no longer regulate shopping

laws.laws.

Range of ValuesRange of Values Why is there diversity in our beliefs Why is there diversity in our beliefs

and values?and values?

JournalJournalPick one topic and respond in a well-written paragraph.Pick one topic and respond in a well-written paragraph.

Sixteen-year-old Canadian cannot vote, but Sixteen-year-old Canadian cannot vote, but they must obey the laws of the country, even they must obey the laws of the country, even if they may not agree with them. Is this fair? if they may not agree with them. Is this fair? Explain.Explain.

In a multicultural country like Canada, how In a multicultural country like Canada, how can we be sure to respect a wide range of can we be sure to respect a wide range of beliefs and values when it comes to our laws?beliefs and values when it comes to our laws?

Describe a situation in the news that you feel Describe a situation in the news that you feel reflects an injustice in the legal system. reflects an injustice in the legal system. Explain.Explain.