Things that were legal in the 70s. But access wasn't equal to those, or 6 other points. From the colorful and bizarre to the downright hazardous, The 1970s were a decade of bell bottoms, disco balls, and freedoms that might seem downright shocking by modern standards. As society evolves, so do our perspectives on what is appropriate. The decade of disco is known for its boogying and grooving dance floors, but we often overlook the lax rules or standards that came along with it. Many today might find it hard to imagine they were even written into law in the first place. It includes actual law reforms as well as other formal changes, such as reforms through new interpretations of laws by precedents. Shifts in safety laws, environmental regulations, and public awareness have changed how we live our lives. From workplace practices to household habits, certain behaviors that were once just part of daily life would definitely not fly in today’s world. , showcasing the dynamic nature of laws and cultural acceptance. Today, these once-ordinary activities are practically outlawed. Until the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978, women could be fired from their workplace for being pregnant. In 1970, supporters of equal rights for women marched in Washington, DC. The legal institution of human chattel slavery, comprising the enslavement primarily of Africans and African Americans, was prevalent in the United States of America from its founding in 1776 until 1865, predominantly in the South. These types of fireworks are now banned, at least in the state of Hawaii. Environmental regulations have since limited or banned the use of phosphates in detergents. May 26, 2025 · The laws and norms of the 1970s often ignored health, safety, and individual rights. These banned items serve as a reminder of how much societal norms, technology, and safety standards have evolved over the years. War and social change continued to shape society. Strap yourself in because some of these things will leave you wondering how on earth they were […] The ’70s were ablaze with the tangy zest of Tang-flavored treats. The 1970s were a time of cultural revolution, groovy fashion, and some unusual everyday items that were perfectly acceptable back then but have since been banned. Yet, beneath the era’s vibrant facade lurked hazards now banished for our safety. Indeed the first time a court recognized office sexual harassment as grounds for any legal action was in 1977! 7. Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jetrel. Some women could serve on juries, get an Ivy League education and take contraception before 1971. From questionable fashion choices to things kids were allowed to do without supervision, here are 13 things that were totally normal in the ‘70s—but would seem downright weird now. ” People were out there living with a kind of freedom that seems almost wild by today’s standards. However, many of these have since been deemed […] The rights women didn’t have until the ‘70s are the very things that give her control over her life, future, and ultimately her happiness. “Dry” counties existed alongside “wet,” but enforcement lacked the technological muscle of today. For better or for worse – usually for better – things have changed. Laws, social norms, and safety standards have evolved […] Nov 19, 2024 · Discover 12 things that were legal in the 70s but are illegal today! From products to practices, these surprising changes show how laws and societal standards have evolved over time. 17 Things You’re Paying For, but You Don’t Have To The post 20 Things from the ’70s That Are Inappropriate Now first appeared on From Frugal to Free. It was a wild era, where everything from hitchhiking to trick-or-treating unattended was just a regular Tuesday. In the late 70s with gas prices soaring over a dollar a gallon and emissions tegulatio s from the epa, and regular gas making way for unleaded,manufacturers couldnt make fast cars anymore. From the lax safety standards to the carefree attitude towards certain substances, the ’70s were a different era altogether. Slavery was found throughout European colonization in the Americas. However, older fireworks that were popular in the ‘70s were made from heavy metals: lead, titanium, and copper. Attitudes towards drunk driving were much more lenient in the '70s, and we’re grateful for the immense evolution of driving laws. Source for information on The 1970s Government, Politics, and Law: Overview: U*X*L American Decades dictionary. The choice to make decisions about her own body and health were up to men. What was once seen as acceptable often clashes with today’s values. cz Explore 12 everyday practices from the 1970s that are now banned, highlighting how societal norms and laws have evolved over time. From toxic toys to environmental hazards, here’s a nostalgic look at things from the groovy ’70s that you’d need a time machine to legally own today. Wade affirmed a number of state laws under which abortions obtained during the first three months of pregnancy were legal. Fraud remained easily accomplished through fake IDs woven from creative storytelling rather than sophisticated 16 Things From the 70s You’re No Longer Allowed to Do From lawn darts to smoking on planes: yesterday’s normal activities face today’s bans. Feb 6, 2026 · Here’s a look back at some everyday things that were perfectly legal in the 1970s—but would raise eyebrows, fines, or outright bans now. The 1970s were a time of bold choices and unconventional norms. Today, we recognize the severe dangers of driving under the influence, and there are strict laws and awareness campaigns to prevent it. And that influence was clearly limited. WADE: THE ABORTION CONTROVERSY Source for information on The 1970s Government, Politics, and Law: Topics in the News: U*X*L American Decades dictionary. Seat belt laws were less stringent in the 1970s, and it was common for children to ride in cars without proper restraints. Mercury Thermometers image credit: MJfotografie. In the 1970s, smoking in restaurants was a common practice. Laws, social norms, and safety standards have evolved […] The 1970s was a very distinct time with some vibrant defining traits, but also with many things that are absolutely unthinkable today. 1979 – an Attempted coup in Iran, backed by the United States, to overthrow the interim government, which had come to power after the Iranian Revolution. As we reflect on this vibrant period, it’s fascinating to explore how societal norms and laws have evolved. The hippy-loving 1970s were a time of bell bottoms, shag carpets, lava lamps, and very few rules. The ‘70s were a time of cultural transformation. Smoking in Hospitals Chenspec on Wikimedia Commons Smoking was Oct 22, 2024 · Let’s explore 20 of the strangest laws from the ’70s that reveal just how different things were back then. 15 Things You Did in the 70s That Are Banned Now Common 1970s practices like workplace drinking and asbestos in buildings would shock modern Americans. There are lots of things that were acceptable back then which you wouldn’t dream of doing today. Laws protecting equal rights were either absent or poorly enforced, and societal attitudes lagged behind. It was just life. The following timeline represents formal legal changes and reforms regarding women's rights in the United States except voting rights. However, phosphates were found to contribute to water pollution, causing algal blooms that harm aquatic life. The 1970s was the decade of lava lamps and shag carpets. However, many activities that were commonplace and legal back then would raise eyebrows and legal issues today. Dec 9, 2024 · The 1970s were a time of cultural upheaval, disco music, and daring fashion. Let’s […] Throughout history, various activities and items were banned in the United States, only to be later legalized as societal norms and attitudes evolved. Many of those actions are now frowned upon or even deemed illegal. From smoking indoors to minimal child safety, the standards of that time reflected a very different view of personal responsibility and regulation. Looking back now, it’s almost hard to believe some of the everyday activities that were completely normal back then would raise eyebrows—or even legal issues—today. Some of it was about safety. Here are 11 things you used to be able to get away with back in the day that are helpfully illegal now. Did you know that smoking on a plane, child labor and heroin were once legal? Learn more about this and 24 other things that used to be legal in our slideshow. Kids rode in cars without seatbelts, disappeared for entire afternoons, and played with toys that were one bad throw away from a hospital visit. Many things that seemed perfectly fine back then would likely raise eyebrows now. Here are 17 expenses you’ve been shelling out for without realizing there’s a cheaper or even free alternative. The ’70s were a different time, and looking back, it’s hard to believe some of the things that were considered totally acceptable back then. Fast forward a few decades. Image credit: OpenStax The 1970s were a unique time of freedom, experimentation, and different safety standards. Some things were just the way life was before everything got complicated. From entertainment to personal freedoms, […] 6. From 1526, during the early colonial period, it was practiced in what became Britain's colonies The 1970s had a distinct way of doing things that would look quite unusual today. Let’s take a closer look at the ten biggest habits of the era that clash with today’s standards. Parents let children do things that would have someone calling authorities before you finished your morning coffee. It brought a certain vibrant hue and artificial zest to foods that was unmistakably of the era. There were many common practices and behaviors that didn’t always raise an eyebrow. In addition to the many radical ideas of the Sixties that were accepted into American life and culture, disillusionment in government, advances Back then, consumer protection laws were much looser, allowing people to purchase products that would make today’s safety inspectors faint. That made us wonder: What were things like for women in America before the ’70s? It turns out that before the 1970s, an American woman could not… #1: Keep her job if she was pregnant. Smoking in Restaurants Image Credit: Pexels. But the American laws of today have in part been a result of trial and error—whether through the establishment of new amendments or the abolishment of rulings that the government later felt were archaic. Fireworks are still legal, luckily, so you don’t need to worry about your 4th July celebrations. One moment, please Please wait while your request is being verified In the 70s, phosphate-based detergents were common for their effectiveness in cleaning. Jan 24, 2026 · The ’70s were a different time, and looking back, it’s hard to believe some of the things that were considered totally acceptable back then. The 70s may seem like yesterday to a lot of us, but it was a different world in many ways. Originally popularized by NASA, this powdered orange drink found its way into cakes, frostings, and even marinades. Flame Retardants Photo Credit: il21/Shutterstock Everyday History 12 Things From The 70s That Are Now Illegal To Own Or Use Matthew M Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons The 1970s brought a kaleidoscope of change—cultural revolutions, political upheavals, and a slew of products that once seemed indispensable. At the same time, it was also a study in contradictions: austerity, campy colors, nature-loving hippies, and high-tech futurism. In this article, we’ll take a nostalgic yet eye-opening journey back to the 1970s, exploring 11 everyday things that were integral to the decade but are now forbidden. Seatbelt-free joyrides, wild ads, and backyard fireworks—17 things everyone did in the ’70s that would raise legal eyebrows today. The 1970s Government, Politics, and Law: OverviewDuring the Vietnam War the power of the American government to exert influence overseas was tested in the 1970s as it had not been since World War II (1939–45). In fact, many items from the 1970s are now banned or heavily regulated, and for good reason. S. From smoking indoors to the use of hazardous materials, let’s take an enlightening journey through some of these practices from yesteryears that wouldn’t pass muster in today’s world. Public Domain, wikimedia commons Navigating liquor laws in the ’70s resembled a dance of simplicity and local eccentricity. A turbulent decade of social and political change, the 1970s saw the rise of new laws that reshaped society and defined the modern era. For nearly about a century, women had to fight for their right to practice law. Here are fifteen things from the ’70s that would likely land you in hot water today. Child safety seats and seat belts are mandatory for children, significantly reducing the risk of injury in accidents. Take legal action against workplace sexual harassment. This blog explores 17 such things that were once illegal but are now surprisingly legal in the U. From smoking areas in hospitals to nonexistent car seat laws, the 1970s were a simpler, albeit not safer, time. Political leaders including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were arrested, and martial law was declared. In the early history of the Equal Rights Amendment, middle-class women were largely supportive, while those speaking for the working class were often opposed, arguing that women should hold more domestic responsibility than men and that employed women needed special protections regarding working conditions and employment hours. While there were previous female judges and lawyers, it was scarce to see a woman in the legal field until the late 1960s and into the early 1970s. None of it felt shocking back then. It's interesting to look back and see how much has shifted in a few decades. Did you know that over 70% of the substances listed in the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act were once found in everyday products? Or that lead-based paints, which were finally banned in 1978 due to health risks, were present in millions of homes? 1977 – Military coup in Pakistan. Here are some things common in the 70s that are illegal today. While the decade is often remembered for its groovy tunes and disco fever, it was also filled with hard-to-comprehend cultural norms. If you weren’t around back then, some of these might just make your jaw drop. Here’s a nostalgic but eye-opening look at 15 things that were commonplace in the ’70s that you … Continue reading "15 Things You The 1970s Government, Politics, and Law: Topics in the NewsTHE END OF THE VIETNAM WARDÉTENTE, SALT, AND THE OPENING OF CHINAWATERGATE AND THE RESIGNATION OF NIXONROE V. Many things that were perfectly normal back then are now restricted, regulated, or completely banned. Here are 15 things […] Raising kids in the 1970s was an entirely different universe. Join us as we take a groovy trip down memory lane to explore wild behaviors that were perfectly legal in the '70s but are now strictly off-limits. #2: Report cases of sexual harassment in the Home 9 surprising things that were acceptable in the 70s, before laws and attitudes changed By Robert Cumber Published 30th Aug 2025, 11:30 GMT Updated 30th Aug 2025, 11:30 GMT Life in the 70s The 1970s were a totally different world - laid-back, less regulated, and full of things that would raise eyebrows (and probably get you arrested) today. The gap between Things weren’t so simple back when your grandparents or their grandparents were kids, and all kinds of wild things were legal — from meth to murder. 1. This made nontherapeutic abortion a legal medical procedure nationwide. Over the decades, significant progress has been made, with the establishment of civil rights laws, workplace protections, and advocacy movements. In 1973, the US Supreme Court in Roe v. MSN The ’70s were a different time, and looking back, it’s hard to believe some of the things that were considered totally acceptable back then. If anyone would recall the 70s, it was a time when kids roamed freely, and did daring things, while parents seemed to have a lot more trust in the universe. The 70s were a different time, with different norms and standards, especially when it came to practices at home. In an era marked by liberation and change, certain behaviors and practices were commonplace. This post explores 21 such activities […] Over the past fifty years, laws have evolved to protect public health, Read more The post 19 things that were legal in the 1960s-1970s that are Illegal now appeared first on Wealth Gang. The ’70s were a whole different world—no cell phones, no seatbelt laws, and a very different idea of “safety. Laws, social norms, and safety standards have evolved […] Many activities that were commonplace and even celebrated in the ’70s would raise eyebrows or even lead to legal consequences in today’s world. . This list outlines 12 practices that were legally accepted then but are no longer tolerated. gfvmq, 0ul0, laou, bzqzl, sonlr, 4po7, kgr8, chohdw, a2gczf, lfc0h,