Theme C Flashcards
What is the role of law?
The role of law is the provide a set of rules that all people in society must follow without exception.
What do Laws exist for?
Laws exist to:
- Set out what actions are acceptable and what are not, e.g Murder, burglary, assault
- Keep order in society by providing a common understanding of the consequences for not following the law
- Ensure fairness so that everyone feels they could get the outcome that they deserve, no one should be punished if they are innocent
How do laws maintain order?
-Laws can punish people who break the law, punishments including fines, prison, community service
- They can deter criminal behaviour so that people think about their actions and what consequences follow before making certain decisions
Examples of how laws can affect everyday life:
-You cannot work more than 12 hours under 16
- Must be in full time education until 16
- Must be over 18 to by alcohol and cigarettes
- Cannot drive under the influence of drugs or alchohol
Why are laws needed in society? (1)
- Protecting the public: Citizens have the right to be free from any form of crime that endangers their safety. We are protected from crimes such as Assault, homicide and burglary.
-Health and safety protection in schools, homes, work and the community
Why are laws needed in society? (2)
Laws can settle disputes between people (civil law) including:
- Marriage and divorce
- Company disagreements about contracts
- Neighbour disputes over land
- Issues against the Employment act 2008, and the consumer rights act 2015
Why are laws needed in society (3)
Laws can ensure fair treatment of all people through things like the human rights act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010. These are vital for:
- Preventing discrimination against people on grounds of the 9 protected characteristics
- Ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of characteristics
Why are laws needed in society? (4)
Laws can change behaviours of people by:
- Deterrence through punishment for crimes
- Retribution to victim or society through Restorative Justice (Victim and Offender communication) and community service sentences
- Rehabilitation of people through education, training and therapy in hopes to remove the reason for offence
What are changes in values?
Changes in values are changes in the feelings and opinions that society has on something, e.g Arranged Marriages and Votes for Women
Ages of legal responsibility examples
Driving = 17
Marriage = 18 (16 with parental consent)
Voting = 18
Working part-time = 13 (with restrictions)
Working full-time = 16 (with restrictions)
Joining the army = 18 (16 with parental consent)
Joining the Navy = 16
Age of criminal responsibility
England and Wales = 10
Scotland = 8
