What is Law? Unit 1 PPt 1

Brainstorm The Purposes of Laws: Why do societies create laws, and what do they hope their laws will accomplish? Are there any problem in society in which laws cannot solve?

Goals of the American Legal System Protecting basic human rights Promoting Fairness Helping resolve conflicts Promoting order and stability Promoting desirable social and economics behavior Representing the will of the majority Protecting the rights of minorities

Law and Values Laws generally reflect and promote a society’s values. Our Legal system is influenced by our society’s traditional ideas of right and wrong.

Law and Values Moral Values Economic Values Political Values Social Values

Moral Values Deal with fundamental questions of right and wrong. Example: laws against killing promote society’s primary moral value – protection of life Is this an absolute or universal value? No – in limited circumstances such as self-defense or war, the law allows intentional killing.

Economic Values Deal with the accumulation, preservation, use, and distribution of wealth Laws typically promote economic values by encouraging certain economic decisions, and discouraging others Any examples related to current events? Buying a home and tax benefits Laws against shoplifting protect property and discourage stealing because of criminal penalty

Political Values Reflect the relationship between government and individuals. Laws making it easier to vote promote citizen participation What amendments deal with the right to vote? 14, 19,23, 24 & 26

Social Values Concern issues that are important to society It is an American social value that all students are provided with free public education through high school Consequently, all states have laws providing for such education How have social values changed that have affected laws? Title IX?