CUSTOMS, RULES AND LAW

Customs Established patterns of behaviour amoung people in society or group. Customs vary depending on culture, religion and history. Customary Law – Customs may become apart of law of that society, but not all. Three areas of Customary Law that has influenced the Australian Legal system are: Aborigional and Torres Strait Islander customary law English customary law International customary law Most customary law is never written down.

Customs TASK: Make a list of unique customs from your own country. State whether these customs are reflected in you home countries laws

Rules Prescribed directions for conduct in certain situations. Made to only affect certain groups of society. Rules are easily altered to adapt to changing situations.

Rules TASK Complete a set of rules for the following three examples: Household Rules School Rules Social Etiquette

Laws Look after all members of society, therefore are fair, just and equitable Expected to reflect traditional and current ethics and values These Legal rules decided upon by a group and governs their behaviour and activities Prohibit and allow a variety of activities Failure to comply with these regulations incurs consequence (penalties), ranging from a fine to imprisonment In Australia, laws are usually decided upon by elected government officials at local, state or federal government levels Judges also have power to set laws in certain cases when set a precedent

Laws TASK Create a table to compare the differences between rules and laws LawsRules To be obeyed by all citizens of a society To be obeyed by specific individuals or groups Made by a law-making bodyMade by individuals or groups Enforced through the courtsEnforced by leaders of a group Consequences of a breach results in a prescribed sanction imposed by the courts Consequences of a breach at the discretion of the leader of a group

Relationship between customs, rules and laws TASK Write a paragraph summarising the previous slides. Describe the relationship between customs, rules and laws.

VALUES & ETHICS

Individuals values – what we believe to be morally rightVoice values and ethics in a public manner to attempt to influence the legal system E.g. The Mardi Gras (Sydney) – Started as a protest march against treatment of same-sex couples by the legal system Mardi Grass (Nimbin, NSW) – attempts to influence government to relax laws relating to the use and cultivation of marijuana Law – Attempting to incorporate individuals core values and ethics into law making