EY Y01 L38 Laws

  1. Tell me about a famous politician/law-maker from your country. Why are they famous?
  2. Do you like this person? Why?
  3. Following the law exactly is almost impossible. Tell us about a law in your country that people break all the time because it is simply too impractical to follow it.
  4. Tell us about a time that you felt a criminal punishment in your country was either way too harsh or way too lenient (either from the news or someone you know or have heard about locally).
  5. Tell us about something in your country that, in your opinion, needs an update in the law. Choose from; environmental laws, gambling laws, broadcasting laws, capital punishment (death penalty), laws of the road, smoking laws, building & construction laws, laws to protect women, the elderly or children.
  6. Tell about something that you think should be made illegal in your country or globally that is not illegal yet and should be (anything is OK!).

Question 1

I think Kate Sheppard is famous. She was a leader of the Women's Suffrage in New Zealand which ultimately enabled women to be given the right to vote. Through her campaigning, women in New Zealand were able to start to vote in 1893.

Question 2

I like the fact that she acheived her goals through peaceful protest rather than through violence and terror.

Question 3

In New Zealand, if the crossing light for pedestrians is red but there are no cars, people just cross the street normally.

Question 4

I think New Zealand is too liberal in the way it treats illegal immigrates. I am happy for legal immigration but when someone's visa has expired or they have been denied an extension, then it is time for them to return home.

Question 5

I would like businesses to be held legally accountable for the pollution that they produce. Most of the time they can dispose of it correctly but choose not to because of the cost or time it takes.

Question 6

I think using a smart phone while walking should be illegal. It is dangerous and annoying.

Tough Vocabulary

- English - - Japanese -
Suffrage 参政権
Ultimately 最終的に
Campaigning のキャンペーン
Pedestrians 歩行者
Accountable 説明責任
Dispose 廃棄