Smoking!

There has been a lot in the news recently about the banning of smoking in public places. I am all for it. I must admit that I have never smoked and this is a very common view among non-smokers who will not be affected by the ban, but I have spent a lot of time around people who have/do especially strangers in public places. What really annoys me is when they light up in a restaurant while you are trying to eat - yes this annoys even some of the people who smoke - so ok ban it there. Working in pubs I have also had second hand smoke blown at my face, do people really need a ciggy to have a good night? Some people I know only smoke when they go out or have a drink. Why?!
Where there are large gatherings of people (e.g. workplaces/pubs/clubs/restaurants) smoking should definitely be banned. If smokers want to ruin their lungs, let them, they have enough warnings, but do they listen? No! Please don't let us non-smokers, who do not choose to intentionally damage our bodies smoke with you. What about bus stops then? This is a disputed matter, but it is still inconsiderate to light up in the small area of a bus stop. Smoking should be confined to specific areas or at home.in the car, people should be more considerate of others.
You may ask, so should we ban drinking because that causes a bad effect on your body? However, in moderation, alcohol does not cause the serious effects smoking does to our bodies. Also it does not affect the health of those around you, unlike secondary smoke!
Personally I cannot wait for laws to be passed banning smoking, and especially hope it includes at bus stops.
However, I would like to know the opinion of those who smoke, whether for or against a ban (as I know there are some "considerate" smokers out there). The best argument I have heard so far for smoking at bus stops is: "If we didn't light up at bus stops, no buses would turn up. This It is a well known fact that as soon as you light up, a bus turns up!" Well in reply, all I have to say is I haven't had any problems as a non-smoker waiting at the bus stop with other people who do not light up.
Non-smokers would be just as affected by the ban, it would improve their lives!

Compulsory Organ Donation

Should organ donation be made compulsory?
This issue is at the heart of the medical system, with the growing number of patients on waiting lists for transplants should those persons who die and are capable of providing usable organs be made to do so? (well their families anyway). Already doctors are able to ask the dead person's relatives whether they can use the organs, but should the law go as far as requiring the donation? One argument is that all usable organs should be made available, however the opposing argument notes the patient's right to autonomy and highlights that the choice is with them. We ask therefore whether a patient's autonomy extends past their death and should their body continue to be respected? Or should we go for the greater good and help all those waiting for help, which they are able to provide? Especially if the person involved later is cremated.
You may say that some of those people on the waiting list don't deserve the help because they require a transplant after self-indulgence, but for many people their need is through illness or defect.
If it should not be made compulsory, should more people be aware of the option?

Occupier's liability

Recently I have been considering putting barbed wire at the top of our boundary fence (between our front garden and waste land, away from the public highway) in order to prevent the local kids climbing over it continuously and causing damage to the already old fragile frame. Then I sat back and considered, what if some stupid kid injures themselves?! I would be liable! Where did the law go wrong? Under the Occupier's Liability Act we are liable for anyone who enters our property whether they are invited or trespassers! So basically a burglar can come in and if he injures himself whilst in the property can sue the property owner for personal injury! How does that work then? He shouldn't be there in the first place, he is a trespasser! If in the middle of the night you met face to face with an intruder would you think twice about knocking him out? You aren't even entitled to protect your property unless you use "reasonable" force, how are we supposed to know if they have a gun/knife on them? Should we just let them take our stuff? And what is the definition of reasonable? - The answer to this is that there isn't one within the law, everything is reasonable this and reasonable that, but just what is reasonable? To different people it may be different things in different circumstances! The law is in much need of change, but with "reasonable" being used throughout the legal system nobody can be bothered or just don't want to.

Glad I got that off my chest it has been bothering me for a while now!
Anne

Same-Sex Marriages

Same Sex Marriages? In November 2004 the Civil Partnership was passed in the UK allowing same sex couples to register their partnerships. I would like to have your opinion? There are arguments on both sides of the line and it remains a controversial issue.

Further details can be found here and here (pro arguments)

Welcome

Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog. I am creating a blog dedicated to our opinions of the law, whether they are good, bad or just plain absurd. I shall be providing my own rants and raves and general views and want to hear from you too!
Anne