ELS Chap 1- intro

• What should you be able to do by the end of this chapter?

  Identify and discuss ethical issues in formulating and enforcing legal rules.
• What is the significance of the historical background of the English legal system?

  It helps explain the key features of the current legal system.
• What are the two main categories of law you should distinguish between?

  Public and private laws, and criminal and civil laws.
• What are the sources of law you need to understand?

  Case law, legislation, EU law, retained EU law, and the European Convention on Human Rights.

  
• How long has the legal system in England and Wales existed?

  Over 1,000 years.
• Why is it important to understand the historical context of the legal system?

  It provides insight into the key features of the current legal system.
• What is necessary for a true understanding of the legal system?

  Knowing something of its historical background.
• How does the legal system evolve?

  It evolves to meet the increasing demands of society.
• What will you develop an appreciation for in this chapter?

  The difficulty of distinguishing between law and morality.
• What impact do moral and social issues have on laws?

  They influence the laws that bind society.
• What are some controversial ethical issues mentioned in the text?

  Assisted dying and whether life should mean life for murderers.
• What should you be able to distinguish between in this chapter?

  Public and private laws, and criminal and civil laws.
• Why is law difficult to define?

  Because there are many different types of law.
• How does law develop over time?

  It develops to reflect changes in society.
• What is an example of a law that has changed due to societal attitudes?

  Capital punishment for stealing a sheep.
• When was homosexual behaviour decriminalized in the UK?

  1967.
• What must the law set out according to the text?

  A standard of acceptable behaviour.
• What must the standard of acceptable behaviour reflect?

  The views of the majority of the population.
• What will the next paragraph consider?

  What makes legal rules.
• What is law described as in the text?

  A system of rules.
• What aspects of life can be governed by legal rules?

  Activities at home, work, in shops, on the road, and personal relationships.
• How do legal and social rules differ in enforcement?

  They reflect different social values regarding behavior.
• What happens if you steal something?

  You would expect to be punished under criminal law.
• What is an example of behavior that is not protected by legal rules?

  Walking in front of someone in a queue.
• What underpins our law?

  Principles of morality.
• Why are rape and murder considered criminal offences?

  Because society considers these activities abhorrent.
• What is a challenge of a legal system based entirely on morality?

  Determining whose moral standards should be adopted.
• What is an example of a controversial area of law?

  Euthanasia.
• What does the law currently state about assisting someone to commit suicide?

  It is against the law.
• What are some areas of moral debate concerning the law?

  The death penalty, prostitution, and cannabis legalization.
• What is the relationship between law and morality?

  Some matters may be considered immoral but are not illegal.
• What is the activity designed to help you think about?

  • Examples of behavior considered immoral but not illegal
  • Examples of behavior that is illegal but not considered immoral
• What are examples of behavior considered immoral but not illegal?

  Adultery and using legal loopholes to pay less tax.
• What are examples of behavior that is illegal but not considered immoral?

  Using soft drugs and soliciting for prostitution.
• Why is it difficult to determine why some rules are given the force of law?

  Because law reflects different values in different cultures and times.
• What is essential for every society to function?

  A set of rules to which its members must conform.
• What governs the event when Kevin knocks Beth over?

  Both criminal and civil law.
• What can Beth claim after being injured by Kevin?

  Compensation for her broken leg under civil law.
• Why does society have an interest in punishing careless drivers?

  To ensure they drive properly or stay off the roads.
• What legal consequences can Sachin face for having noisy parties?

  His neighbors can bring a private nuisance claim against him.