1. Introduction to Law and the Legal System
Chapter 1
Introduction to Law and the
Legal System

2. I. What Is Law ?

3. What is Law ? “Jurisprudence”: Science or philosophy of law
How do you define “law”?

4. What is Law ?
Set of rules or regulations by which a government regulates the conduct of people within a society.

5. What is Law ? What types of rules did you have? As a young child?
As a high school student?
Laws are like these rules, but they are enforced by the government.

6. Rule of Law
Democratic system of gov’t can’t function without rule of law
Rules by which we are governed must be known in advance and created through democratic process
EVERYONE must obey laws

7. What is Law ? Goals of our legal system protect basic freedoms
promote fairness
help people avoid and resolve conflict

8. What is Law ? help communities achieve certain goals
promote order and stability
represent the will of the majority
protect rights of the minority

9. What is Law ?
Statutes –
Laws enacted by legislatures.

10. What is Law ?
LAW vs. VALUES

11. Laws vs. Morals Some laws reflect morals
Ex: Laws against murder reflect the belief that killing is wrong.
However, laws and morals don’t always align
Lying to your best friend?
Many religious issues

12. Examples of Morals as Laws
Thou Shall Not Kill
Thou Shall Not Bear False Witness
Thou Shall Not Steal
Murder
Perjury
Theft

14. What is Law ?
RIGHTS
vs.
RESPONSIBILITY