Role and Function of Laws

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Role and Functions of Law The role and functions of law in business and society are very complex. As humankind has evolved throughout history some form of law has been in place. It may have been simply the survival of the fittest, tribalism, and up to the modern forms of global government and law making. Law has evolved to encompass rules of engagement with regard to business. It has also come to be used to facilitate enforcement of societal norms. Role/Function of Law in Society There is a significant connection between Law and a successfully run society. Social behavior is regulated by law. This circumstance leads to an efficiently run society. Ethics standards and expectations are provided by laws. “Rules and expectations of conduct, metrics by which to enforce those rules, and ways and means to settle disputes [are all set by law.]” (Mallor, Barnes, Bowers, and Langvardt) From a functional point of view, the intricately woven web of laws governing this great land can be cumbersome and confusing. There are innumerable laws still on the books that are not relevant in the modern world. For example, it is unlawful, by federal law, to issue a fake weather forecast. (18 USC 2074, 2011)Irrespective on unusable laws on the books, without law, mayhem and chaos would certainly ensue. Role/Function of Law in Business As law plays a vital role in society, its role in business is also significant. A perfect example of just such a role is Congress’s power to wield the Commerce Clause. The function of the Commerce Clause is to give Congress the power to “regulate Commerce among the several states.” (Melvin, S, 2011, p.32). Essentially, Congress may directly regulate people and products that run via interstate commerce. The clause also allows for regulation of “the instrumentalities of interstate commerce such as vehicles used in shipping….and intrastate commerce…as long
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