Roles and Functions of Law

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Roles and Functions of Law Law/ 421 Roles and Functions of Law Introduction For a society to function and operate properly several key variables must exist. The need for law and regulation is the most important of these variables. Laws act as the binding agent within a society, holding it together and providing structure. Many different theories and definitions of law exist. “A generally accepted generic definition of the law is a body of rules of action or conduct prescribed by controlling authority, and having legal binding force.” (Melvin, 2011). However generic the definition may be, laws carry with them necessary roles and functions, providing for the success of society and business. The following paper will discuss the roles and functions of law in business and society. What is the purpose of having laws? The easy answer is found in another question. What if there were now laws? The idea of a lack of law and regulation paints a colorful portrait of the necessity of laws. As a business or society, our daily lives and interactions depend on the discernment between right and wrong. The role and function of law is to provide structure in determining what is right and what is wrong. The great Supreme Court justice, William O Douglas was quoted and saying, “Common sense frequently makes great law”. However true this theory is, not everyone has proper common sense. It is the function and role of law to step in where common sense fails and provide the guidelines for right and wrong within business and society. The Role of Law The role of law in society and business is a basic game of fill in the blanks. While this sounds juvenile, the basic principle behind the necessity of law fits the thought perfectly. As noted earlier, law fills in the blanks where common sense is missing. If the purpose or role of law is to provide
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