Role and Functions of Law Paper

Role and Functions of Law

Kristopher Frantzich

LAW/421

December 23, 2013

John Arnold, J.D.

Role and Functions of Law

Law plays a significant role in the successful operation of business and society. Laws create order and allow a government to instruct citizens on what is considered acceptable behavior. Laws also supply ethical standards and expectations, while providing rules of conduct, measures to enforce those rules and the means for settling disputes. Although the general functions of law appear to be rather simple, the United States legal system is actually very complex. Laws are broken down into several different types. Constitutional law supersedes all state and federal laws, statutes, common law and ordinances. A constitution is the overriding law because it establishes the fundamental principles of the government at either the state or federal level. It is important to remember that without laws to govern the actions of people and businesses, society would not be able to function effectively and commerce would most likely collapse.

The primary purpose of law was to keep the peace, but society has become more complex and developed. Today, laws are responsible for keeping the peace, influencing and enforcing standards of conduct, maintaining the status quo in certain aspects of society and facilitating orderly change. Businesses operate in a more global environment, where laws of different governments and judicial systems might conflict. Business law has a significant impact on the commerce of the United States and other countries. The behavior of employees and the importance of social responsibility are crucial to the success of any business. (NBEA, 2007).

In a free market system, business law plays an especially important function in the business environment. Companies rely upon the enforcement of laws to protect their business interests while conducting operations. Local, state and federal courts help companies adhere to contractual obligations...