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

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

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

two types of law:
Civil law &
Criminal law

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

with such matters such as:
Crimes against the person
eg murder, assault & rape
Property crimes
eg theft, burglary, fraud and vandalism