Introduction to Law - Lecture One

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What is law?

Law is a set of man made rules that are designed to manage how a person behaves.

Where does law come from?

Law originally came from the monarchy before governments.

Law comes from religion, mainly Christianity.

There are also judge made laws (common law) that is not from Parliament.

Secular society: Religion does not control or persuade government.

Why are laws obeyed?

Laws are obeyed because people agree with then or they fear the consequences of not following them.

Why are laws dis obeyed?

Laws are disobeyed because of personal and religious beliefs, motivated by negative emotions, political considerations, wanting to change society or the law, personal injustice and ignorance of the law.

Westminster System

Parliament can pass laws that override common law.

Perjury: Lying in court.

Statute/Act/Legislation is all the same thing.

Blasphemy is still a part of our law, it is in the Crimes Act. Police need permission to charge someone with blasphemy.

Reasonable person

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Objective