1. What is Law?
Unit 1 PPt 1

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Law and Values Moral Values Economic Values Political Values
Social Values

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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?