1. Purposes and Functions of Law

2. What is the function of law?
How effective do you believe our laws are?

3. Jurisprudence: The study of law and legal philosophy
Study of law has been around since the beginning of recorded history

4. Can be written or unwritten…
Law: Set of rules that allow people to live together
Enforced by the government
Regulate people in society
Can be written or unwritten…
What are some examples?

5. In the United States, laws are created through the democratic process.

6. “RULE OF LAW”
Rules must be known in advance
No one is above the law

7. Goals of Our Legal System
Protect basic human rights
Promote fairness
Help resolve conflicts
Promote order & stability
Promote desirable economic and social behavior
Represent the will of the majority
Protect the rights of minorities
Laws must balance rights with responsibility
Ex. You have the right to drive, but you must follow the law while driving

8. Laws are often based off values…
Moral – Question of right or wrong
Examples:

9. Laws are often based off values…
Economic – Deal with accumulation, preservation, use and distribution of wealth
Examples:

10. Laws are often based off values…
Political – Reflect the relationship between the government and the people
Examples:

11. Laws are often based off values…
Social – Issues important to society
Examples:

12. Laws are often based off values…
Moral, economic, political, and social laws  Are there laws that overlap?

13. Types of Laws “Beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Criminal Law – used to regulate public conduct
Government vs. Defendant
Misdemeanor – Less serious
Prison term of less than 1 year
Felony – More serious
Prison term of more than 1 year
“Beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Civil Law – Regulates between individuals or groups
Person (plaintiff) against person (defendant)
Usually brought on by a “civil action”
“Preponderance of evidence.”