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The key legal reforms during this era included the introduction of civil rights, labour laws, and criminal justice reforms.
The civil rights movement in the 1960s led to significant legal reforms in many countries, particularly in the United States. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, for instance, outlawed discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin. It also ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and by facilities that served the general public. This was followed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Labour laws also underwent significant changes during this era. In the United Kingdom, the Industrial Relations Act of 1971 was introduced to regulate the relationship between employers and trade unions. The Act aimed to establish a National Industrial Relations Court and set out provisions on unfair industrial practices, collective agreements, and trade union membership. However, it was largely unpopular and was replaced by the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act in 1974, which provided a more balanced approach to industrial relations.
Criminal justice reforms were another key area of legal change. In the United States, the Miranda v. Arizona case in 1966 led to the establishment of the 'Miranda Rights', requiring law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights during the arrest process. This was a significant step towards ensuring fair treatment of suspects and preventing abuses of power by law enforcement. In the UK, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984 was introduced, providing a comprehensive code of practice for the powers of the police to combat crime, and to protect the public and individuals' rights.
In conclusion, the era was marked by significant legal reforms in civil rights, labour laws, and criminal justice, reflecting societal changes and the evolving understanding of individual rights and freedoms.
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