Law and Its Functions - Chapter 1
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Questions and Answers

Which theory emphasizes the importance of judging actions based on the process and means used, rather than solely on the outcome?

  • Utilitarianism
  • Functionalism
  • Legal Realism
  • Categorical Imperative (correct)
  • Which of these theories is most closely aligned with the idea that law should adapt and evolve based on societal changes and the experiences of judges?

  • Constitutional Law
  • Legal Realism (correct)
  • Functionalism
  • Libertarianism
  • Which of these theories considers the law's primary function to be maintaining social order and stability by enforcing norms?

  • Legal Behaviorism
  • Critical Legal Studies
  • Functionalism (correct)
  • Critical Race Theory
  • Which theory emphasizes the role of law in perpetuating racial inequalities and the power dynamics they reflect?

    <p>Critical Race Theory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theory emphasizes economic relationships and the distribution of power as key factors influencing the development and application of law?

    <p>Sociological Theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a premodern legal system?

    <p>Strong centralized authority (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between natural law and legal positivism?

    <p>Natural law emphasizes moral principles, while legal positivism focuses on the sovereign's authority. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the conflict perspective, how do laws function in society?

    <p>To maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the powerful. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which legal philosophy emphasizes the importance of evaluating laws based on their effectiveness in achieving societal goals?

    <p>Sociological jurisprudence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key difference between 'law on the books' and 'law in action'?

    <p>Law on the books is theoretical, while law in action is practical and reflects how law is actually applied. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Values

    Core beliefs that guide behavior in society.

    Norms

    Actions based on social situations, guiding conduct.

    Mores

    Strongly held beliefs about right and wrong in society.

    Legal Positivism

    Law defined by sovereign authority and social control.

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    Sociological Jurisprudence

    Study of law based on societal needs and outcomes.

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    Critical Race Theory

    Focuses on law's role in maintaining racial inequalities.

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    Utilitarianism

    Ethical theory that prioritizes maximizing overall pleasure or good.

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    Categorical Imperative

    Kant's principle that emphasizes the importance of the process, not just the outcome.

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    Legal Realism

    Legal decisions are influenced by personal experiences and biases of the decision-maker.

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    Common Law

    Judge-made law that adapts to changes over time, focusing on equity and individual cases.

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    Study Notes

    Chapter 1 Reading

    • Approaches to Defining Law:
      • Law and official authority: governmental control (Donald Black)
      • Law in action: court interpretations (Oliver Wendell Holmes)
      • Law and physical force: enforcement through punishment (E. Adamson Hoebel)
      • Law, coercion, and specialization: official enforcers (Max Weber)
      • Law and justice: meeting moral standards (Philip Selznick)
      • Law and social integration: social relationships (Bronislaw Malinowski)
      • Law and custom: customs becoming law (Paul Bohannan)

    Functions of Law

    • Social control: maintaining order (e.g., library fees)
    • Dispute resolution: resolving conflicts (e.g., holidays)
    • Social change: promoting progress (e.g., seat belt laws)

    Dysfunctions of Law

    • Bias, repression, rigidity and unequal access to justice
    • Impeding social progress

    Perspectives on Law

    • Consensus perspective: society shares values that promote cooperation (laws- Pound).
    • Conflict perspective: society competes using power and control to establish (laws-conflict).

    Chapter 1 Questions

    • Differences between norms, mores, and folkways
    • Three approaches to defining law
    • Characteristics of common law, civil law, and international law
    • Function of law in society
    • Dysfunctions of law
    • Distinctions between legal doctrine, jurisprudence, and law and society
    • Consensus vs. conflict views of law

    Chapter 2 Reading

    • Legal System Requirements: laws, legislation, enforcement, dispute resolution
    • Phases of Legal System Evolution: premodern (hunter-gatherer & agricultural) to modern (regulating property, employment, commerce)
    • Legal Philosophies:
      • Natural law: universal moral principles
      • Legal positivism: laws from sovereign authority
    • Methods to Study Law and Society:
      • Sociological jurisprudence: societal needs and adapting law.
      • Local realism: difference between law on the books and practice.
      • Critical legal studies/ critical race theory: Law maintaining social structures.
    • Utilitarianism: maximizing pleasure is consequential.
    • Categorical imperative: process is just as important as the outcome,
    • Sociological theory: relationship between economic factors and law and societal interaction
    • Legal realism: who rules defines law based on experience and practice.
    • Functionalism: stability for law to be effective.
    • Legal behaviorism: different punishments for different actions.
    • Libertarianism: laws are unjust when controlling behavior, allowing individual freedoms.
    • Critical legal studies/critical race theory (Hunt): law is influenced by politics, focusing on victimization.
    • Law as a set of guidelines: applies to human behavior when violated.
    • Sources of law:
      • Common law: judge-made laws, adaptable to changes.
      • Statutory law: legislative laws in codes.
      • Constitutional law: outlines government powers and general rights.
    • A legal system based on utilitarianism : Maximizing well-being through universal coverage of services.

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    MAC 301: Law and Society PDF

    Description

    Explore the fundamental concepts of law in Chapter 1, focusing on various approaches to defining law and its essential functions like social control and dispute resolution. This quiz also delves into the perspectives on law and its potential dysfunctions in society. Test your understanding and knowledge of legal principles and theories.

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