Why Are Laws Important?
The law is important because it serves as a norm of conduct for citizens and residents. It acts as a guideline for acceptable behavior, and ensures equality within communities and social groups by an outline for the consequences of law violations. Laws communicate what is accepted in each society.
Without laws, citizens would not have any guidelines for accepted behavior, and conflicts between communities and social groups could erupt. For example, people often have differing views on what is acceptable behavior. Laws help outline what a person can or cannot do, what crimes violate acceptable practices and manners in which others should be treated.
The law also helps the three branches of the government to sustain equity. When laws are broken, citizens are guaranteed the right to a fair trial with fair consequences established. The justice system is designed to follow the laws and interpret them in a manner that ensures the safety and rights of citizens. The conformity of laws serves as general rules to live by within communities.
Laws offer protection to victims of crimes and punishment for those who violate the laws. Laws also serve as a deterrent for criminals because consequences such as fines and jail time exist.
