Law and the Legal System Lesson Objectives To understand what the role of law is in society To distinguish criminal and civil legal systems To examine alternative means of resolving disputes

Why do we need laws? Think of as many reasons as you can why most societies have laws and a legal system. To prevent anti-social and unacceptable behaviour To regulate commercial and business transactions To identify who should rightfully own property To regulate family and personal relationships To provide means for citizens to resolve disputes with other citizens These are some of the most important but you may have thought of others

What is the law concerned with Which of the following does the law concern itself with? Going to school Helping your parents around the house Catching a bus Doing a part time job Babysitting your younger brother or sister Buying goods from a shop Surfing the internet

The distinctions between Civil Law and Criminal Law There are basically two types of law: Civil law & Criminal law

Civil Law Civil law is concerned with the rights and duties of citizens in dealings with other citizens Civil law therefore covers activities such as: Lending and borrowing money Entering into contracts Disputes with neighbours Getting married Inheritances and wills

Criminal Law Criminal offences are regarded as offences against society It deals with such matters such as: Crimes against the person eg murder, assault & rape Property crimes eg theft, burglary, fraud and vandalism

Compensation or punishment? In civil law the courts award compensation where someone can prove the other party is in the wrong. In criminal courts the aim is to punish wrongdoers and impose a sentence which prevents them from reoffending