1. An Introduction to Law

2. Learning Goals: Investigate what a law is
Describe the 5 functions of law
Discussion/Reflections regarding laws in practice/how society views laws

3. WHAT IS A LAW? Why do we have laws?
BRAINSTORM…
WHAT IS A LAW? Why do we have laws?
Now - Use pages 6-8 from the textbook to help you with this page.

4. 1. What is a Law? (consider wearing a hat while in school compared to a fight in the hallway)
Laws are a set of rules established and enforced by the government.
Laws are mandatory (EVERYONE must follow them).
Laws involve a detailed system of consequences.
You are not going to have the same punishment for wearing a hat as you will for getting into a fight in the hallway. Different punishments for different offences.

5. 2. Explain: A “society” of one requires no laws but as the population increases so will the number and complexity of the laws?
ONE – actions do not interfere with the needs or concerns of anyone else
Population Increase – the more people there are, the more varied are the interests and requirements of the group. Therefore, the need to restrict, within reason, the complete freedom each person claims will be greater.

6. Societies have different interests and requirements.
3. Every society or state will develop individual laws. Some of these laws are universal and others are specific to the populated region. Why do different laws exist for different societies?
Societies have different interests and requirements.
Example: In Canada we must have labels printed in French & English. The United States only require English (some states require Spanish as well)

7. 4. List the Five Functions of Law and briefly explain each.
1. ESTABLISH RULES OF CONDUCT – Laws are needed to minimize or reduce possible conflicts.
2. PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF ENFORCEMENT – Laws must be enforced for people to believe in them and respect them.
3. PROTECT RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS – The Charter of Rights and Freedoms limits law makers and law enforcers as well as individuals.
4. PROTECT SOCIETY – Laws are needed to protect you and others from people or groups who might take advantage of you.
5. RESOLVE DISPUTES – Laws help create order and ensure that disagreements are solved fairly.

8. Rules vs. Laws Rules Not enforced by the courts
You can opt out of rules
You can change the rules on your own
Laws
Enforced by the courts
You cannot change them on your own
You may be punished by the courts if you break them
Where do you have rules in your life?
School, work, home, sports, personal, church
Examples of rules you must follow in your life:
No using cellphone in class
Curfew
No swearing at a teacher
Treat customers with respect

9. What happens if you break these rules?
Penalty, loss of trust, possessions taken away
How is that different from breaking the law?
Not as severe, don’t go to court over it
Examples of laws that you must follow in your life:
No killing
Driving
Underage drinking
What are some examples of consequences of breaking the law?
Jail time
Ticket (fine)
Probation
Community service 

10. Identify the following as either a Rule (R) or a Law (L)
Get your homework in on time R L
Do not put garbage in the recycling bin
Do not waterski at night
Wear your seat belt in your car
Do not smoke on school property
Do not swear at your teachers
Do not smoke in a car with a child passenger
Turn off your cellphone in the movie theatre
Do not wear your hat in class
Do not download music from the Internet

11. RULE OF LAW Laws are needed in society Law applies equally to everyone
No one can take away your rights, except in accordance with the law

12. 6. Many people would argue that when laws increase an individual’s freedom decreases, which makes the concept contrary to one of the main functions. Others would counter the argument by stating that restricting some freedom only allows you to enjoy more freedoms and rights. Explain both points of view using appropriate examples and conclude your position
1) Laws increase—individuals freedom decreases
- Not necessarily true – more freedom to be in public, i.e. less discrimination
Oppose: texting & driving- stricter rule, less freedom
2) Restricting some freedom only allows you to enjoy more freedoms & rights
 texting & driving – allows you to share the road safely
Oppose: Religions laws & Discrimination- not allowing certain groups to discriminate/ operate- increase freedom of others

13. 7. Some students would argue that to establish ‘grounds for fair play’, all high schools in the county should have a standardized code of rules. For example: dress code, length of periods/day conduct/penalty etc. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet: What would be the advantages and disadvantages of this code? Why do schools have their own set of rules? Which side of the argument would you be on? Why?
Dress code: Advantage: Uniformity, no discrimination Disadvantage: less expression, stereotypes CBC article- 30 students sent home due to attire

14. 8. Laws are constantly changing
8. Laws are constantly changing. Using the headings listed below, explain with the use of examples why laws are ‘dynamic’
AREA
EXAMPLES OF CHANGES
Technology
Internet  identity fraud, cyber bullying
cell phones
Social
Gangs Drinking & driving Various ethnic groups Smoking Gathering in public i.e. demonstrations/ with friends – events happening in world (9/11  airports)
Political
Platforms  taxes
 healthcare
 education
Environmental
Pesticides – response to global warming
Aerosol sprays Littering
“Green Movement” – social groups pressure
Economic
Taxes – HST
Counterfeit money
Scientific
DNA

15. 9. Many people consider it to be all right to commit small ‘petty’ crimes. (speeding, running yellow/red lights, drinking underage). Their arguments often involve: I’m not hurting anyone! I won’t get caught! What’s the ‘Big Deal’! Laws must reflect society’s needs and must contain an identifiable purpose and consequences must be imposed for wrongful actions. If this criteria is not present, individuals will constantly ‘break the law or rules’.
Explain a school rule or a law (other than the ones above) that are constantly being challenged or abused and explain why this particular case takes place.
Phones
Dress code
Jaywalking
Hats
Smoking Pot

16. Rather take the chance, not enforceable
10. You traveled over to the U.S. for a day and got a great deal on a pair of basketball shoes and a jacket. You have saved about 50% compared with the price in Canada. The border guard asks you if any ‘goods’ have been purchased. You know the duty will reduce the ‘great deal’. Are you the type to take a chance and say nothing or in this case are you honest? What do you think most people would do? What message does this reveal? Answer on another sheet.
Rather take the chance, not enforceable

17. On a piece of paper answer the following questions
What is a Law?
Why do different laws exist for different societies?
List the Five Functions of Law