New Crimes in the 20th Century

This section explains new crimes decriminalisations during the 20^th Century. Since the beginning of the 20th century, many new crimes have emerged in response to shifts in public attitudes, changes in the economy, and technological advancements. The development of new industries and innovations has led to new types of criminal behaviour, while evolving societal norms have required the introduction of new laws.

Driving Offences

At the turn of the 20th century, the motor car was still a relatively new invention. However, by the 1930s, cars had become cheaper and more widely available, which led to significant changes in the regulation of driving. Before 1935, there were no legal requirements for individuals to hold a driving licence, but from 1935 onwards, the law required all drivers to pass a test, pay road tax, have insurance, and ensure their vehicles were roadworthy.

With the increase in car ownership, new types of crimes associated with driving emerged. Car theft became one of the largest categories of crime in Britain, and numerous other driving offences developed, including:

• Speeding
• Joyriding (theft and reckless driving of vehicles for enjoyment)
• Drink-driving
• Parking violations (e.g., parking without a valid ticket)
• Failing to stop at traffic lights
• Driving without a licence
• Not wearing a seat belt
• Using a mobile phone while driving

Public attitudes towards drink-driving were relatively lenient until the 1970s, when government campaigns began to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. Today, drink-driving is universally condemned, and those caught breaking the law face severe penalties.

Race-Related Crime

As Britain became more multicultural throughout the 20th century, new crimes emerged related to race and ethnicity. The changing demographic led to a growing need for laws that ensured fair treatment for individuals from minority groups. In 1968, the Race Relations Act made it illegal to refuse employment, housing, or public services to individuals based on their race, ethnic background, or nationality.

Over time, more legislation was introduced to combat racial discrimination, and with increased awareness of racial prejudice, race-related crime became a major focus of law enforcement.

Decriminalisation of Homosexuality

In the 1960s, societal attitudes towards homosexuality underwent significant change. Previously, homosexual acts between men were criminalised, but in 1967, the Sexual Offences Act decriminalised sex between two consenting men aged 21 and over in England and Wales. Over the following decades, further legal reforms were introduced, including a reduction in the age of consent for homosexual acts to 16 in 2001, the same as for heterosexual acts. These changes were reflective of evolving public attitudes towards sexual orientation and human rights.

Drug-Related Crime

The issue of drug abuse and the criminal activity surrounding it became more pressing in the latter half of the 20th century. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 made many drugs illegal, and the drug trade became an increasingly significant issue. The debate over whether some drugs should be legalised remains a topic of discussion, but illegal drug-related crime has continued to rise.

Crimes associated with illegal drug use and dealing include:

• Sex trafficking (often linked to the drug trade)
• Gang-related violence
• Theft (to fund drug habits)
• Drug smuggling (including the international transport of drugs)

The illicit drug trade also fuels organised crime, and law enforcement agencies work to break down the networks that enable the production and distribution of illegal substances.

Domestic Violence

As attitudes towards gender roles and relationships changed, laws began to address the issue of domestic violence. For much of history, domestic violence was not seen as a crime, but during the 20th century, awareness grew that violent and abusive behaviour in relationships needed to be legally addressed.

In 1976, the Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act was passed, allowing victims of domestic abuse to seek legal protection through injunctions.

In 1991, the law recognised rape in marriage as a criminal offence, making it possible for a husband to be prosecuted for raping his wife. Further progress was made in 2014 when emotional, financial, and physical abuse within relationships was recognised as a criminal act.

Despite these legal advancements, domestic violence remains an ongoing issue, with many victims still reluctant to report abuse. According to a 2020 crime survey for England and Wales, it was estimated that 5.5% of adults had experienced domestic abuse in the year prior to the survey, highlighting the need for continued awareness and support for victims.

Abortion

Abortion was a criminal offence in England, Wales, and Scotland until 1968, with exceptions only made when the mother’s life was at risk or in extreme medical circumstances. In the 1960s, changing social attitudes, along with a growing recognition of women’s rights, led to the passing of the 1967 Abortion Act, which legalised abortion under specific conditions. Abortion was allowed if two doctors agreed that continuing the pregnancy would cause the mother either serious physical or mental harm or that the baby would have serious physical or mental disabilities.

Initially, the legal limit for abortion was set at 28 weeks, but advances in medical knowledge and technology led to the reduction of this limit. As of today, the legal limit for most abortions in the UK is 24 weeks, although abortions past this limit can still be performed if the mother’s health is at serious risk.

Conclusion

The 20th century saw the emergence of many new crimes, driven by technological advancements, changes in social attitudes, and evolving legal frameworks. From driving offences and race-related crime to the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the introduction of hate crime laws, these developments reflect a society that adapted to new challenges and became more inclusive and responsive to the needs of its citizens. While many of these crimes have brought attention to areas previously ignored by the law, they also highlight the ongoing need for law reform to keep pace with societal and technological changes.