establishes crimes, processes and sanctions to punish those found guilty
protect individuals and public property
people not free to steal, damage property or environment
example laws of protecting individuals and public property
theft
vandalism
maintain public order and security
sets standards and clearly outlines what behaviours with not be tolerated by the community and legal systems
protect rights and cultures
protect human rights and individuals freedoms, including the rights of individuals and groups to engage in cultural or religious actives without harassment or discrimination
generally improving society
improves society by deterring people from committing crimes and offering rehabilitation
protect justice and laws
only the state can punish people for criminal offences
discourages people taking the law into their own hands
protect society
allows physical, social and financial aspects of society to function
