What is Law?

Law

Formal rules where breaches may lead to legal consequences.

Social Rules

Unwritten behavioral expectations, such as politeness, enforced through social pressure rather than the state.

Moral Rules

Standards of behavior that are considered right or wrong, not strictly enforced by the law.

Inequal Experiences of Law

Different groups experience law differently; law can represent protection, fairness, control, or punishment based on perspective.

Police Discretion

The ability of police to enforce legal rules and exercise discretion, which shapes how the law operates in practice and raises questions of fairness and bias.

Regulation of Behavior

Law sets boundaries on what individuals can or cannot do; public health law and criminal law work together in this regard.

Corporate Manslaughter (2022)

New law in WA that holds companies and senior officers legally responsible when a worker dies due to serious safety failures.

Clash between Law & Society

When laws are seen as illegitimate, respect for legal institutions decreases, making enforcement harder and increasing social conflict.

Validity of Law in Australia

A law is valid when Parliament follows the correct procedure, the bill passes both Houses, and the Governor gives Royal Assent.