chapter 1 pg 1

What Is Law?

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Terms in this set (10)

Law consists of rules that regulate the conduct of individuals, businesses, and other organizations within society

It is intended to protect persons and their
property against unwanted interference from others
.

Law forbids persons from engaging in certain undesirable activities
.

Definition of
Law

According to Black's Law Dictionary, "Law, in its generic
sense, is a body of rules of action or
conduct prescribed by controlling authority, and having binding legal force. That which must be obeyed and followed by
citizens subject to sanctions or legal consequences is a law."

Functions of the Law: Keeping the
peace

making certain activities crimes

Functions of the Law: Shaping moral standards

enacting laws that discourage drug and alcohol abuse

Functions of the Law: Promoting social justice

enacting statutes that prohibit discrimination in employment

Functions of the Law: Maintaining the status quo

passing laws preventing the forceful overthrow of the government

Functions of the Law: Facilitating orderly change

passing statutes only after considerable study, debate, and public input

Functions of the Law: Facilitating planning

designed commercial laws allow businesses
to plan their activities, allocate their
resources, and assess their risks

Functions of the Law: Providing a basis for compromise

approximately 95 percent of all lawsuits are settled prior to trial

Functions of the Law: Maximizing individual freedom

the rights of freedom of speech, religion, and association granted by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution