1. The nature of law
Why are rules obeyed?
- They carry with them a sense of moral obligations
- A penalty may be imposed if a rule is broken
- The rule is reasonable and relevant
Laws vs Norms of behaviour
Norms of behaviour Laws
Ought to be obeyed Must be obeyed
Are voluntary and apply to those who Are obligatory and apply to everyone
accept them
develop over time Can change instantly
Are enforced by disapproval of the Are enforced by the courts
community
Criminal law vs civil law
Criminal law: a forbidden behaviour which is at risk of punishment and is
committed against the state
Civil law: disputes between individuals and/ or businesses in which they
believe their rights have been infringed
Examples of Civil law:
- Law of tort- Breach in responsibility between two persons although
there is no contract between them
- Law of contract- breach in responsibility/ contract where 2 parties have
made an agreement
- Human rights- a set of basic rights and freedoms that belong to us all
from birth to death
- Family law
- Company law
- Employment law
Law of tort :
- Tort of negligence
- Tort of defamation
- Tort of nuisance
Why are rules obeyed?
- They carry with them a sense of moral obligations
- A penalty may be imposed if a rule is broken
- The rule is reasonable and relevant
Laws vs Norms of behaviour
Norms of behaviour Laws
Ought to be obeyed Must be obeyed
Are voluntary and apply to those who Are obligatory and apply to everyone
accept them
develop over time Can change instantly
Are enforced by disapproval of the Are enforced by the courts
community
Criminal law vs civil law
Criminal law: a forbidden behaviour which is at risk of punishment and is
committed against the state
Civil law: disputes between individuals and/ or businesses in which they
believe their rights have been infringed
Examples of Civil law:
- Law of tort- Breach in responsibility between two persons although
there is no contract between them
- Law of contract- breach in responsibility/ contract where 2 parties have
made an agreement
- Human rights- a set of basic rights and freedoms that belong to us all
from birth to death
- Family law
- Company law
- Employment law
Law of tort :
- Tort of negligence
- Tort of defamation
- Tort of nuisance
