SCW2601 Assignment
2 (100% COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester
1 2025 - DUE 17 April
2025
NO PLAGIARISM
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, Question 1 In everyday speech, the term ‘law’ is used to mean different
things. Explain what ‘the law’ is in its legal sense and provide examples in
your answer. [5]
Question 1:
In everyday speech, the term ‘law’ can refer to rules like school rules, traffic rules, or even "the
laws of nature" (such as gravity). However, in its legal sense, ‘the law’ refers specifically to the
system of rules created and enforced by the government or a recognized authority to regulate the
behavior of people within a society.
The law, in this sense, sets out what people may or may not do, what rights they have, and what
happens if they break the rules. It ensures order, fairness, and justice in a community. It is
usually written down in constitutions, statutes (acts), case law (court decisions), and regulations.
Examples:
Criminal law: Prohibits actions like theft or assault (e.g., it is illegal to steal someone's
property).
Contract law: Regulates agreements between people or businesses (e.g., a written
agreement to buy a car).
Family law: Deals with matters like divorce, adoption, or custody of children.
Labour law: Regulates relationships between employers and employees (e.g., setting
rules for fair working conditions).
Thus, in its legal sense, the law is an organized system of rules backed by the authority of
the state to guide and control social behavior.
In its legal sense, "the law" refers to the system of rules and principles that are created,
enforced, and recognized by the governing authority of a country or community to regulate the
behavior of individuals, organizations, and institutions. These rules are established to maintain
order, protect rights, and ensure justice within society.
Examples of the law in its legal sense include:
1. Criminal Law: These laws are designed to maintain public order and safety by
prohibiting behaviors deemed harmful to society, such as theft, assault, or murder. For
example, in South Africa, the Criminal Procedure Act outlines how criminal cases are
prosecuted.
2. Contract Law: This governs agreements made between two or more parties, ensuring
that they fulfill their promises or face legal consequences. For instance, if a business