These days I am discussing legal issues with my C1 students and I must say that it's been great fun so far. We have gone over some advanced collocations (to issue an indictment, to enter a plea, to serve time, to repeal a law, pass the bar exam, etc.) and, inevitable, we've had to deal with a lot of technical terms (parole, probation, etc.). We have also looked into specific crimes some of which, such as identity theft or carjacking, have a distinctly exotic flavor. Other offences, like bribery and abuse of office, feel more familiar. Furthermore, we have tried to answer some relevant questions: What exactly qualifies as sexual harassment? What is the official definition of mass shooting? Is surrogacy legal in the U.K.? Today, however, I would like to center on an infraction that just about every country acknowledges, but very few take seriously: jaywalking.
Jaywalking is neither a crime nor a misdemeanor, but rather a simple civil violation. I would argue that most of us do it without giving it a second thought. Yet, it is technically illegal and can be a contributing factor to avoidable traffic accidents. I believe that there is a cultural element to people's general disregard for the laws against it. In my experience, German pedestrians tend to comply with jaywalking regulations, whereas in Italy and Spain... not so much. I know it sounds like a massive stereotype, but, like I just said, that's my personal perception. Still, just a couple of years ago, Bilbao City Hall launched a campaign to highlight the dangers of jaywalking and promote compliance with traffic signals and I can imagine that other European cities must have done something similar so pedestrians learn to wait for the green light. Despite these efforts, though, the general attitude has rendered the law rather pointless. So, New York City Hall's decision last year should come as no surprise to anyone. Jaywalking was officially decriminalized. And I suppose some of you may find the decision objectionable or unwise, but the truth of the matter is that the law against jaywalking was rarely enforced and clearly failed to work as a deterrent. In a way, it was like one of those silly laws that are in effect only theoretically. You want an example? In the state of Massachusetts, playing or singing the national anthem as part of a medley or adding to it dance music can result in a fine of up to $ 100. Yes. It is a real law. I guess every country has old silly laws that legislators neglect to eliminate. Since 2022, it is illegal to relieve oneself in the sea or on the beach. Fines can reach up to € 750.
Anyway, below these lines you have a great explanation of what jaywalking is and the sneaky reason why it came to be called like that. Enjoy!
N. B. By the way, Hannah Fry is a professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. In my opinion, she's a brilliant, eloquent thinker whose command of the English language should inspire you to improve your oral skills. 😎
No comments:
Post a Comment