Social Legislation

Introduction to Social Legislation

Social Legislation, generic term used to denote the body of laws enacted in various countries, chiefly in the 19th and 20th centuries, to correct specific social and economic maladjustments. In general, such laws are designed to raise the standard of living and the cultural level of the economically depressed. In recent times social legislation has also been passed to aid segments of the general public affected by such economic vagaries as spiraling costs of living and increased unemployment.

Social legislation includes laws providing for public assistance to the indigent and the physically handicapped, unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, compensation payments to employees injured on the job, public educational systems, and slum clearance and public housing. Other examples of social legislation are laws prohibiting or limiting the employment of minors, establishing the minimum wage, and prohibiting discrimination because of race, religion, age, sex, or national origin.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

Information about Social Legislation in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Social Legislation

Hierarchical Display of Social legislation

Social Questions > Social affairs > Social policy
Social Questions > Social protection > Social security > Social security legislation
Law > Organisation of the legal system > Legal system > Ordinary court of law > Social court