The functions of law
The functions of law primarily refer to the importance of law. Law is fundamental to each’s welfare. These functions are inclusive of the following factors.
Holding criminals accountable for their actions
Law has worked to prevent the individuals who do not observe the fundamental rights and freedoms of other people from being successful. Everyone has a right to life, a right to own property, freedom of speech, among others. This importance of law underlies the twentieth-century developments in International Law. Such has promoted the creation of the International Criminal Court where criminals who hold positions of power or other influential positions are tried for crimes against humanity. The law holds offenders accountable for their actions
Promotion of the common good
Law has also led to the development of the common good. As much as individuals in the society more often than not pursue their self interests, they should also follow the provisions of the law that prevent this self-interest getting in the way of peace in the entire community. Law, in this case, will help to deal with prisoner’s dilemma situations. Secondly, it will help to distribute property that would be exploited by the public into private hands to prevent a ‘tragedy of the commons type of situation from arising. Law also prevents people from wanting to exert revenge on individuals who have wronged them by allowing those given that authority professionally to fight for their rights.
Resolution of disputes
Law has come in handy in the judgment of conflicts that come up as a result of limited resources. Resources are fundamental in sustaining the lives of individuals in the society. In cases where these resources are not enough for everyone, to ensure that the distribution is done fairly, the law has to be put to use. For example in the story of the ‘ Judgement of Solomon’. An excellent example of such resources is the supply of water.
Governs behaviour
Law works to encourage individuals in the society to do the right thing. A good example is that of Aristotle in the year 384- 322 BC who argued that individuals required the discipline of law to get them accustomed to doing the proper thing. This will help them appreciate the need to do things the right way. Such laws are termed moral laws that ensure people do not act in wrongful ways according to Christianity. It was made illegal for someone to engage in immoral behavior that led to self-harm or offending other people. Provided everyone is safe as per the provisions of the Law, there will be no trouble caused.…