Scotland becomes first UK nation to ban smacking of children News
Darilon / Pixabay
Scotland becomes first UK nation to ban smacking of children

Scotland’s law banning the smacking of children came into effect on Saturday, making it the first UK nation to do so.

The law provides children with the same protection from assault as adults receive.

“This law sets out in clear terms that physical punishment should no longer be part of childhood in Scotland and it marks a momentous step in making it a country where children’s rights are truly recognized, respected and fulfilled,” National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children spokesperson Joanna Barrett said.

Opponents argue that the new law violates biblical law, citing passages which state that parents should discipline children, and discipline is not meant to be pleasant.

Scotland is the 58th country to outlaw corporal punishment. Scotland is the first country in the UK to do so. Wales is expected to introduce a ban by 2022.

THIS DAY @ LAW

New law makes Hitler dictator of Germany

On August 3, 1934, the German Parliament passed a law that combined the offices of President and Chancellor, making Adolf Hitler the supreme leader (Fuehrer und Reichskanzler) of Germany. Prior to the law's passage, Hitler had been the German Chancellor with Paul von Hindenberg serving as President. However, Hindenberg died on August 2, and Parliament was pressured to combine the two offices instead of holding an election to replace the deceased President of Germany.

US Congress passed first law regulating immigration

On August 3, 1882, Congress passed the first federal law regulating immigration. Under the statute, state-run boards under contract to the US Secretary of the Treasury were to inspect immigrants according to rules that were uniform in all ports. Boards were prohibited from admitting any immigrant found to be a "convict, lunatic, idiot or any person unable to take care of him or herself without becoming a public charge."

Learn more about eugenics laws restricting immigration.