1. CLU3M- Introduction
Law and Society

2. Law: Its Purpose and History
Everybody has a direct experience with the law
Law and legal issues affect everyone (be in school, drive a car, where you can work, get paid, renovate a basement)
Incredibly important to know your rights and responsibilities

3. 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 (any examples?)
Laws reveal the current values and beliefs of a country’s citizens (today?)

4. 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

5. 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

6. Why do we have laws?

7. Why Do We Have Laws?
Laws usually create clear understanding about expected behaviour (example?)
As society grows it needs more law to control and limit the behaviour of its citizens (example?)
To enforce these laws, a society introduces punishments for breaking the law (example?)
If the laws do not change with society, then conflict and revolt will occur (example?)

8. Function of Law Establish rules of Conduct Ex:
Provide a system of Enforcement
Protect Rights and Freedoms
Protect Society
Resolve Disputes
EX:

9. What is justice?

10. Characteristics of Justice
Treat like cases alike and different cases differently
We consider a law unjust if it discriminates on the basis of irrelevant characteristics
Justice should be impartial; that is laws should be applied regardless of a person’s position or financial status
We expect the law itself to be just in that it conforms to society’s values and beliefs

11. Thanks to Mr. Bergman for this powerpoint and many more to come!