why do laws exist?

Question

MULTIPLE RESOANS

Answer 1

Firstly imagine a society without law. One that springs to mind is that in Golding's novel Lord of the Flies. Without a system of law, people within a society would create their own conflicting laws and this would result in an anarchy.

This goes to show that laws are there to lay the guidelines for acceptable behaviour within a society. It is the means by which the State lays the boundaries for it's citizens to follow. Note, that other organisations also used to create law i.e. the church (with canon law).

Law defines what is moral and immoral according to ordinary human standards, and defines a system of justice and punishment for those who overstep the mark. This is the role of criminal law for example. With criminal law, the law also acts as a deterrent.....setting examples, so that bad behaviour is not copied.

Another function of law, as it the case with Contract Law for example, is to set the boundaries within which indiviaduals can create their own law. The doctrine of contractual autonomy, indicates that the State is hesitant to intervene in contracts as this is an agreement made between individuals. However, state law must set boundaries so that illegal, immoral contracts are not created and so that individuals are not forced by duress to enter into them. Furthermore it sets out a system of remedies for the innocent party in case of a contractual breach.

Answer 2

If by laws I assume that you mean the codified rules and regulations of every political entitity the answer is simple. It is an attempt to apply agreed on rules of behavior to all citizens hopefully with complete fairness but as we all know that certainly doesn't exist even in democracies. Too often the availability of equality under the law depends on one's wealth, one's class, one's 'connections'. There are several groups or bodies of law if you will. Legal, social, religious, et al and each approaches the law from its own prespective.

Answer 3

Because each and every person needs to know the standards of acceptable behaviour. If there were no laws, there would be complete anarchy and the breakdown of society.

Anyway, shouldn't you be doing your own research for your seminar prep?

Answer 4

For the purpose of laying down groundwork that is acceptable to society as a whole and protects the rights of individuals and communities. Everything must have some sort of structure or without it, there is chaos.

Answer 5

So we can tell who knows right from wrong , to keep borders around personal property and space, to have a set guideline if someone kills another, to prevent mayhem in the streets and mass murder.


or maybe just so we can imprison people that don't conform to a set notion. (Last part was tongue in cheek)

Not good to answer serious questions before first cup of coffee.

Answer 6

There is a paradox, if everyone is obeyed the law then it is unnecessary ,if everyone is defied the law, then it is useless.

So , law is only validate to somebody who have no power or wish to against it.

Answer 7

Laws are the pillars of a society. Without laws, a society would be broken apart, and there would be injustice.

Answer 8

well, the basic function of social laws is to define wat is acceptable in the eyes of society and mete out punishments accordingly.

remember that laws evolve with society too- it was a death offence to be homosexual in the 1800s, then they permitted it in the 1990s, just recently it was legal to be married to a same sex partner.

i just dont wanna be around when its compulsory to be homosexual.

heh

Answer 9

learn to spel... look at the 24 answers you got 5 days ago from the same question...

Answer 10

Because not everyone follows a pure heart in their actions.