“Without rules to govern relations between people, disorder and conflict would arise…. Without clearly defined rules, the only law might be the survival of the strongest.” All About Law, page 3. “As a society grows, it needs more laws to control and limit the behaviour of its citizens…” All About Law, page 5.

What is the purpose of a system of law? Justice? This is a court of law, young man, not a court of justice. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Equality? An earthquake achieves what the law promises but does not in practice maintain - the equality of all men. ~Ignazio Silone Democracy? Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny. ~Edmund Burke Peace and happiness? The laws of man may bind him in chains or may put him to death, but they never can make him wise, virtuous, or happy. ~John Quincy Adams

What is the purpose of a system of law?

What is the FUNCTION of a system of law? Establishing Rules of Conduct to reduce/eliminate conflicts to create a safer place to live E.g. Highway Traffic Acts (provincial) minimum driving ages, speed limits. Protecting Rights and Freedoms right to/freedom to… right from/freedom from… E.g. Criminal law branch, RCMP, Charter of Rights and Freedoms Protecting Individuals maintaining certain standards E.g. labour laws, civil law Protecting Society from individuals from abuses of power E.g. Charter of Rights and Freedoms, habeas corpus

Influences on a system of law… Who/what does have influence on a (our) law system? How? Who/what should have influence on a (our) law system? How? What should be the touchstone of a law system? Is this, then, a/the purpose of a system of law? Is law, or a system of law, overall positive (encouraging) or negative (deterrent)? What are the effects of this? Case Study: All About Law, Page 30