Roles And Functions Of Law

Roles and Functions of Law

Law plays a significant role in society and in the business world. It makes the world more certain by clarifying what will likely happen because you know what the rules are (Bagley et al, 2006) The primary purpose of establishing law is to protect the public and keep social order by proving guidance for settling disputes peacefully. Therefore, laws are needed to help govern the social behaviors of people to ensure a harmonious environment. One definition of law describes it as rules of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority (Merriam-Webster, 2012). In other words, law dictates how society makes decisions in their day-to-day dealings with individuals and businesses. Without law, citizens would find it difficult interact or to enter into agreements with other parties.

The legal system is based on the objectives and rights provided to citizens in the United States Constitution, which established the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of the federal government. Under the Constitution, each government branch is provided with limited powers but it also keeps other government entities from creating laws that may directly interfere with the rights of the people, which include promises regarding defense and security, liberty, justice, and tranquility (Melvin, 2011). Laws are categorized according to type. Civil laws are created to provide financial awards to individuals and businesses for losses sustained because of another person's misconduct. Criminal law protects society and punishes lawbreakers who purposely harm others with fines or incarceration for each violation. Substantive laws give people certain rights while procedural laws establish the guidelines for seeking these rights. In addition to regulating specific social conduct and behaviors, laws are also the foundation for ethical principles that detail professional and social conduct.

Businesses are affected by the legal system. They have to follow rules set forth by the government to protect the rights of employees and govern the conduct of employers. For instance, as a human resources coordinator at a logistics firm, its important to have knowledge of current federal and state employment laws. This data is crucial for management because this information should be given to employees so they know what their rights and privileges are regarding certain issues. Human resource professionals should receive intense training on managing responsibilities regarding recruiting, termination, compensation and benefits, safety, discrimination, privacy, and harassment. Violating any of these could be detrimental to the success of a company. The laws that address employee and employer relations are too many to count, but some are more popular.