Ages ago, our forefather created a structure for rules of conduct called laws. Law helps to enforce and maintain ethical standards and civil obedience. In business and society the rules of conduct are essential to preserving order and harmony. The complexities of the law can be somewhat mind boggling when in fact the intent is to simplify discord. Nonetheless, its role and function in business and society is vital to the efficacy and effectiveness of everyday conduct. In this paper, illustration of the roles and functions of law in business and society are defined and explained. Law
So what is the purpose for law? Law severs a resolution dictator of right and wrong doing. By definition, according to Dictionary.com (2014), law “is the principles and regulations established in a community by some authority and applicable to its people, whether in the form of legislation or of custom and policies recognized and enforced by judicial decision” (Dictionary.com, 2014).
The law protects against anarchy, without it society would be at the mercy of each itself (Daily Legal Whirl, n.d.).
Role and Function of Law in Business
In the business community, law is determined by legislative and enforced by its leaders and or owners. To begin with, the role of law in business governs certain aspects over business operations. Further, law aids as protection to an investment. For instance, taxation is a part of one of the many functions of laws in business. It is a common law rule by which government receives a percentage from business transactions. Compliance of such laws is enforced by business owners. Further, employment laws ensure equality and fairness for both employer and employee. Particularly, an employer is liable for unsafe working conditions and can be deemed responsible should injury occur. Staples, my current employer can attest to this fact. A few years ago an associate walked into a puddle of water in the common area and fell. Sustaining a broking her wrist and fractured collar bone. It was to no surprise that eventually someone would suffer as a result of the company patching holes in the ceiling instead of fixing the issue. Consequently, the company suffered financially for their negligence in this matter. Role and Function of Law in Society
The Bill of Rights contains protection for citizens from unlawful or repressive acts by government (Melvin, 2011, Chapter 2).
Governance of the laws maintains social controls. The role law plays in society is to guarantee the rights of those who are weaker either physically or socially in any given social structure. (Daily Legal Whirl, n.d.).
Additionally, the functions of law within society protects against anarchy (Daily Legal Whirl, n.d.).
In other words, laws dictate a code of conduct that is acceptable as well as consequences for conduct that is not. The First Amendment to the constitution guarantees the right of free expression, assembly and freedom of speech. However, the amendment is not absolute. For example, opinions vary for President Obama. We are protected with the freedom of expression to express those feelings whether it is for or against him. Whereas, soliciting a threat because of a person’s dislike for another party violates the rights to freedom of speech. Conclusion
Laws of conduct in business and society are essential for of for several reasons. Taxation is one of the elements of function that aid to regulate business standards in addition to stimulating the economy. Without it, the economy would eventually subside. Likewise employment laws serve to protect both the employer and employee with the purpose of limiting exposure to bodily or financial damages. In like manner, society could not effectively manage disputes without structure of the law. Although the first amendment to the constitutions allows for freedom of expression, it is not absolute. Expression of your dislike for someone is limited to non- threaten actions. Ultimately laws resolute, regulate, control, and serve as protection against unethical functions as well as social disorder.
References
Dictionary.com. (2014).
Dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/law?s=tDaily Legal
Whirl. (n.d.).
What Role Does Law Play In Society?. Retrieved from http://www.dailywhirl.com/what-role-does-law-play-in-society/Melvin, S. P. (2011).
The Legal Environment of Business. Retrieved from https://newclassroom3.phoenix.edu/Classroom/#/contextid/OSIRIS:44851356/context/co/view/activityDetails/activity/e39998c3-78e0-4134-9e5d-ee8e50800c06/expanded/False.