law and society

Question 1

What is society?

Answer 1

• a group of individuals connected by social relationships, interactions and institutions
• legal definition: the population under a particular legal systems authority

Question 2

What is macro-level analysis (broad impact of laws)

Answer 2

• laws shape entire markets
  e.g The Human Rights Act 1998

Question 3

What is me so-level analysis (impact on specific groups/institutions)

Answer 3

• housing laws affect regions differently
  e.g legal services act 2007
  Anti discrimination laws have varied sector-specific challenge

Question 4

What is micro-level analysis (individual interaction with law)

Answer 4

• laws influence personal choice
• criminal laws affect behaviour
  e.g Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Question 5

What is pluralism?

Answer 5

• coexistence of different beliefs, people and opinions
• multiculturalism within society

Question 6

What is the purpose of law?

Answer 6

• protect people from harm
• ensure a common good
• settle arguments and disputes
• persuade people to do the right thing

Question 7

What is legal realism?

Answer 7

• judges personal experiences and biases influence decisions more than legal rules
• law is not a closed, logical system; judges dont just mechanically apply rules
  -laws should be judges by real world events

Question 8

What is Cohen’s view on moral panics and social control?

Answer 8

• society panics about certain groups seen as threats
• media, police and politicians amplify these fears
• leads to stricter laws and increased social control
• control is now everywhere

Question 9

What is Young’s view on crime, law and inequality?

Answer 9

• crime is linked to social issues like poverty and exclusion
• laws should address root causes, not just punish crime
• crime stats dont tell the full story - we must understand real life impacts
• excluded groups are more likely to offend
• laws often punish marginalised groups, worsening ingsocial divisions