Crossword Genius

Spooner’s learning passages from old legislation (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

poor laws

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'spooner's learning passages' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'old legislation' is the wordplay.
'old' becomes 'poor' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'legislation' becomes 'laws' (I've seen this before).
'poor'+'laws'='POOR LAWS'

'from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for poor laws that I've seen is " Legislation giving relief to the needy".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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