1 Law and society

Law is not static, neither are the mechanisms which have evolved to enable it to develop and change. Law is not made in isolation as it represents the society and culture within which it is developed, made and applied. Weeks 1 and 2 considered the current legal system as well as key highlights from the legal history of Scotland and help illustrate these points. What, though, is ‘law’ and what role does it play in society?

There are a number of different ways in which ‘law’ can be explored. All of these help with an investigation of the meaning and role of ‘law’. As you work through the next few sections, make a note of the ideas that resonate with your own understanding of ‘law’ and reflect on the reasons for this resonance.