WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge.
Write about the following topic:
Laws should not be rigid or fixed. Instead, they should be flexible enough to take account of various circumstances, times and place of the offence. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer:
In today’s ever-changing world, the idea of rigid and fixed laws seems outdated and impractical. I firmly believe that laws should be flexible enough to accommodate the diverse circumstances, times, and places in which offences occur. This is essential in ensuring that justice is served and that the legal system remains relevant and effective.
Firstly, rigid laws fail to consider the unique circumstances surrounding each offence. Every situation is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach to justice simply does not work. For example, a person who commits a crime out of desperation due to their financial situation should be treated differently than someone who commits the same crime out of greed. Flexible laws would allow for the consideration of mitigating factors and would result in fairer outcomes for all involved.
Moreover, the passage of time can bring about significant changes in societal norms and values. What may have been considered a serious offence in the past may now be viewed as a minor transgression. Take, for instance, the changing attitudes towards drug use and possession. In many places, there is a growing recognition that addiction should be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal one. Flexible laws would enable the legal system to adapt to these shifting perspectives and to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Furthermore, the geographical location of an offence can also have a significant impact on the circumstances surrounding it. What may be deemed unacceptable behavior in one culture may be perfectly normal in another. Therefore, laws should be flexible enough to account for these cultural differences and to ensure that individuals are not unfairly penalized for actions that are considered acceptable within their own communities.
In conclusion, the need for flexible laws that can adapt to various circumstances, times, and places is undeniable. Such flexibility would allow for a more nuanced and just approach to justice, taking into account the complexities of human behavior and the ever-changing nature of society. It is imperative that legal systems around the world embrace this concept in order to ensure fairness and effectiveness.
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