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@ -48,3 +48,39 @@ This [article](https://uclawreview.org/2021/12/10/ridiculous-laws-consequences-o
## Laws popularity
Another strange effect of laws is that they are subject to a popularity cycle, which influences how much attention they receive from governments. This is a clear indication that laws are not a constant truth and can be manipulated by governments whenever they see fit.
Here are a few examples of how the popularity of laws has led to major situations:
**In this examples we will look at context, popularity circles and manipulation examples*
1) The War on Drugs (U.S.A)
Context: From the 1980s through the 2000s, the U.S. government focused on the drug market, known as the "War on Drugs." Media and political campaigns fueled public fear of drug use, and the government leveraged this fear to enact stricter laws, including mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses.
Popularity Cycle: During periods of rising public concern about drug use, the law became more prominent, and the U.S. government took action to demonstrate that they were in control of the situation. Later, as public opinion shifted toward criminal justice reform and the legalization of marijuana—largely driven by the media's changing focus—many of these laws were reworked and weakened.
Example of Manipulation: During this period, political leaders exploited public fear to emphasize certain drug laws in order to gain favor with voters. What started as a public security concern evolved into a powerful tool for securing political support.
If you want more detailed information about this topic, you can read the following [article](https://www.britannica.com/topic/war-on-drugs).
2) Immigration Laws (Various Countries)
Context: The political climate and public opinion lead to major changes in immigration laws. For example, during periods of economic hardship, governments may pass immigration laws that limit the influx of foreign workers. In contrast, during times of labor shortages, restrictions are eased to attract more foreign workers.
Popularity Cycle: Public fears about immigration and national security, often fueled by media coverage, lead to tougher laws. However, when economic and humanitarian concerns arise, governments may weaken these laws to maintain public support.
Example of Manipulation: Governments may create or shift immigration policies based on political agendas or popular sentiment to maintain or gain support from certain voter bases.
The following [article](https://www.reuters.com/practical-law-the-journal/transactional/us-immigration-law-evolution-current-issues-2025-05-01/) covers major changes in immigration laws in US, based on centext.
*Interesting reading: "The Authoritarian Dynamic" by Karen Stenner. This book analyzes how fear and anxiety, particularly regarding out-groups (such as immigrants or racial minorities), influence public opinion and, in turn, shape political behavior. Stenner connects these dynamics to the manipulation of laws and political policies.*
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