Unit 1 Introduction. PP#1 Mr. Andrez CLU3M - Law Unit 1 Introduction. PP#1 Mr. Andrez

Law: Its Purpose and History Chapter 1 Law: Its Purpose and History

Law: Introduction Everybody has a direct experience with it Law and legal issues affect everyone Know your rights and responsibilities

Canada and its Law Every country has its own history and culture that has shaped its laws and punishment Laws tell us about a country’s past Laws reveal the current values and beliefs of a country’s citizens

Canada: a Democracy Citizens elect law makers who make laws that suit the majority of Canadians By voting, Canadians choose politicians to make laws that best suit their needs and opinions at that time Elected officials control the law-making process and its interpretation and enforcement

What is Law? like rules to a game yet apply to all members of society at all times a legal rule made by the government someone who chooses to break a law will be punished Therefore: Individuals are free to do whatever they want, with one exception: You must not do those things the law forbids, or prohibits Those that don’t agree with a law can lobby the government to change it through joining a lobby or pressure group

Why Do We Have Laws? Laws usually create clear understanding about expected behaviour As society grows it needs more law to control and limit the behaviour of its citizens To enforce these laws, a society introduces punishments for breaking the law

The Function of Law To settle disputes peacefully and fairly Establishing Rules of Conduct How to act – example while driving a car Protecting Rights and Freedoms Laws serve no purpose if they cannot be enforced Police charge people who have broken a law. These people must answer for their actions to the courts All law makers and enforcers are limited by constitutional law (Charter of Rights and Freedoms) Protecting People Criminal law as well as, example labour law (max work day, minimum wage)