2 The role of law

Some writers and academics think that law is best understood by considering the role it plays in society. In the twentieth century, a number of different theories about its purpose were espoused.

The role of law within society can be considered in a number of different ways, for example, the influences which shape the laws of that society, the relationship between law and order within a society and how laws are shaped by the values of the society within which it develops.

Aspects of each of these can be seen in the examples used throughout the course.